Overflowing With Thanksgiving Day Gratitude

I'm grateful as hell. Sure, all's not right with the world (is it ever?) and there's more suffering in nearby quarters than we've seen in a long time but not enough to stem the abundance of gratitude I am feeling.

Let's start with the obvious---Barack Obama's presidential victory gives our nation and the world cause for serious optimism. It's so much more than a racial thing, although that's a story that will resonate through future centuries. President-Elect Obama is showing a commitment to excellence and balance in the choices he is making. This is a leader dedicated to finding exceptional people and demanding the highest level of competence based upon service to the citizenry. This mostly non-partisan approach is so rare and refreshing, it will be interesting to see how much push-back he receives and how he deals with it.

Other things for which I am deeply grateful: My wife. My parents. My children. My job. My fingers. My health. My friends. The health of my wife, parents, children and friends. Our freedom from strife. Our new dog (cute and friendly as can be, and best of all, nearly house broken). And much more.

I'm grateful for the chance to work in a supportive environment with folks who share my passion for all of my pursuits, musically and professionally and especially for those endeavors which involve benefit to our community. I am profoundly thankful that I was raised in a supportive, functional household that encouraged positive thinking, expected its members to work hard and to appreciate the fruits of their labors. The example set by my parents has led to a deeply satisfying life for me and I feel that I have achieved some success in passing those values along to my children.

I am grateful to live in a place where a support network exists even for those who experience considerable suffering, and happy that I am able to contribute to parts of that network more and more as time goes by.

I think it's time to pick up my favorite guitar (and I'm thankful to have several beauties that I love) and play a few songs of thanks. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope that you are able to find things in your lives for which your gratitude is abiding and real.