Tell someone you know "Thank You." Here's how:
(1) Out loud, say thank you to someone about something that person did or didn't do;
(2) Extend your thanks beyond the two words by adding a sentence or two about the "effort" that the person exhibited; and
(3) Tell the person how much their effort means to you or how it makes or made a difference to you in your life.
My List: Most people have a long list of what they're personally grateful for, such as their health, family and in this economy, a paycheck. I am thankful for much of what most would list, and certainly much more than I can possible list... but here are 7 things that may not exactly be what most people would list:
1. I have a good man to share my life with.
2. I've lived long enough to see my children grow up.
3. I have a place to live and food to eat.
4. My honey and I can pay for our basic needs.
5. I'm not in the hospital.
6. I can share my days with a sweet puppy.
7. I have a toilet that works.
It sounds odd to be thankful for a working toilet, but try going a day or two without one. It's not fun. You quickly thank God every time you are once again able to flush. It's more than a convenience.
The toilet is the single greatest invention in terms of preventing disease and death. Think about the 2 billion people whose bodily functions are a constant source of illness and discomfort.
1/3 of the people in the world don't have the luxury of a toilet. Many of our military troops overseas don't have running water and plumbing for this personal need. Since "Sandy," hundreds of people on the East Coast don't have this common American convenience most of us take for granted.
Sometimes, it is small things that matter the most. So on this Thanksgiving Day, when you are asked to give thanks, be most grateful that there is a toilet in your home. But of course, that's not all...
When you sit down at the table with loved ones to share your Thanksgiving meal, be thankful for everyone and everything that makes this time of sharing joy possible. Embrace your ability to give thanks to those you love.
Accept The Challenge: Take out paper and pencil; list all the things in your life today that are a luxury. Include items that you could live without or live without doing.
When you've got your list, read it everyday.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving day.