Giving Thanks When There's Little Else to Give

I must admit by now I thought I would be blogging just as a side diversion, a snack before the meal, but lately it's been the only really fulfilling writing I have been doing.

While one seasonal job has come to an end, another beginning, and in between it all the rigor of sending resumes and internet research for jobs remotely relevant, I am standing in front of Thanksgiving with hands folded in grateful prayer for what I have come through so far.  Unemployment can be called an adventure for us 'glass half full' types, and indeed it has its perks of additional time to do truly meaningful things like volunteering.

On the other hand, good deeds mean little to We Energies or Target, and my hands are joined with others equally frustrated to work in a field where we truly belong.

Yet, I cannot be anything less than grateful to a God that has blessed me with a family that has been supportive in so many ways (the value of a good hug and a good laugh have increased with the progression of the year).  I watch my daughter flourish in high school, and delight in the carefree play of my dogs, and I must know how rare the privilege is to have all these things.

My wish for all is to enjoy a day - a season really - of true and abiding gratitude, where challenge is not a setback but an opportunity to grow closer to others and true joy is found in giving, even if the giving is only of thanks.