Giving Thanks: A Balanced View.

November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving has come a long way since Abraham Lincoln said way back in 1863 "Hey, what’s everyone doing that last Thursday in November?"

Once a holiday of value, Thanksgiving is now relegated to second tier holiday status. It has become more about shopping sales and BAD Detroit Lions football and less about truly counting our blessings. I’m as guilty of taking things for granted as anyone, and it is this vein that I would like to share with you a few of the things that I am thankful for this year. And since I like to stay balanced, I’ll even include the number of things that I’m least appreciative of. 

That’s just how I roll.

I am thankful that the Buffalo Bills won their first four football games this year and gave me reason to hope it would be a competitive season. I’m less thankful that five games seems to have been their winning capacity, and they are apparently going to lay down like dogs for the last twelve.

I am thankful for my two amazing children who bring such joy and wonder into our lives and amuse my wife and I daily. I’m less thankful that their bringing joy and wonder into our lives starts about 5:30 a.m. EVERY morning.   

I am thankful that the library staff will be lucky enough to have the entire Thanksgiving Holiday off with our families. I’m less thankful that my wife, predicting such a boon of free time, bought a new rake and 50 leaf bags for me.

I am thankful for the epic surround sound system my incredibly generous brother-in-law gave me last Christmas. I‘m less thankful that we are almost a full year later, and I still have no idea how to hook it up to my television.

I am thankful that I was able to travel to France this year, as it was my first ever trip out of country. I’m less thankful that despite being there for a week, I still never used French in a way that anyone over there could understand me. 

I am thankful that my youngest son has begun potty training in earnest, using the facilities a full six times in one day! I’m less thankful that being only two, he sees anything with a way out (i.e., toilet, shower, or floor drain) as a facility.

Finally, I am thankful that it has finally become hockey season again, especially in light of my football team’s rather pathetic showing. I’m less thankful that, alas, I am a Buffalo Sabres fan, and they stink on ice.  

Rick G.
Platte City Branch