nwasianweekly.com
Nov. 24, 2006

Give thanks, even when you have little

Imagine you were one of the 110 Pilgrims who left their homeland Sept. 6, 1620, to sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a long, difficult and cold journey.

For 65 days, you were allowed not even one hot meal, for fear of causing a fire on the wooden boat. Day after day, you lived with danger and hunger. Sickness and death came and went, just like the ocean waves.

When you arrived at the Promise Land, it wasn’t exactly the dreamland you envisioned. Without shelter or food, you had to build and create everything from scratch. You suffered when food was hard to find and crops didn’t grow fast enough. You had a thousand worries, including the fear that your new neighbors, the Native Americans, would harm you. Within a year of arrival, more than half your people died.

How would you describe your experience? You would probably wail and reply, “Traumatic, nightmarish, horrible, bitter, disastrous, painful, regrettable …” Every one of those words accurately depicts the Pilgrims’ ordeal.

Instead, the Pilgrims responded with thanks. Their governor proclaimed a day of thanksgiving in October 1621 for all the colonists as well as the Native Americans, even though life had never been easy for the pioneers. Less than 50 Pilgrims survived after the first winter. But tragedy did not lead them to give up hope. They focused on being alive, being stronger and beating the odds.

Have you ever said thanks when adversity came your way?

Have you ever been grateful even when you had little and every day was a struggle?

Have you ever felt thankful because you had the strength and patience to endure and conquer all the harsh realities, like the Pilgrims did?

Do you feel good when you muster up the courage to fight for freedom, like the Pilgrims who searched for religious freedom, even when you’re embarking on a journey that you wished you never had to take?

Are you proud that you have to make tough decisions, just like the Pilgrims who had to find a better life for themselves and their children?

Gratitude is a special gift that rewards and heals the human spirit, but not everyone gets it. Many take friends, family and community members for granted. But they should not.

Gratitude helps us appreciate life and puts things into perspective when we are dealing with challenges. In order to give, you have to receive at the same time. If you don’t feel joy in giving, perhaps you have not found the right cause or organization to work with. Find your passion; nurture and support it.

Those who have had a great year and built successful ventures and projects should express their gratefulness. Celebrate by giving generously, especially to those who are less fortunate. Consider giving as an investment, according to donors. Help those who are weak, sick, old or poor. Volunteer your wisdom, time and energy to as many charitable organizations as you can.

Mentor young and old.

Hug loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you. Call and thank those who have helped you in the past, who have contributed to your success and well being. Show your appreciation by returning favors. If they are in need of assistance, write a check.

Send money to those who don’t have homes this Thanksgiving — like the victims of Hurricane Katrina who still live in trailers. Remember: You are the fortunate one. You are in the position to give and make a difference.

To those of you who have had a tough year, say cheers, for you have survived. You are stronger than you realize. Your best is yet to come!

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