It’s Thanksgiving. Time to evaluate, once again, and note the things for which I am thankful . . . and yet . . .

I’m so tired… Tired of angry words and name calling. Tired of blaming and dire predictions and a sense of separation, competition, and impending doom. I’m so tired of insurance that barely pays and jobs that do the same. I’m so tired of hearing that police officers will not be going home to their families because of misplaced anger and frustration. I’m so tired of knowing that there are children in this world who go to bed hungry. I’m so tired of feeling like no matter what I do to help those around me, it will never be enough.

I’m so tired of being tired.

I’m so heartbroken that I’ve become accepting of the negativity that surrounds me. So heartbroken that those around me have become entrenched in their ideology and beliefs to the point of choosing to not even listen to differing points of view. So heartbroken that there are times when I too have failed to listen to the hurting people who surround me. And yes, I am heartbroken that there are members of our family and others who we’ve loved and cared for, who have gone before us and are not here to celebrate Thanksgiving with us today.

But, I’m so full… No, not of tough turkey or pumpkin pie. Instead,  I’m so full of the blessings that surround me. So full of love that has been a part of my world for my whole life. The love of parents and siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. So filled by the love of a good man who chose me, even though he deserves better, and the love of three sons and a beautiful daughter-in-love. The love of a spoiled rotten dog who thinks I do no wrong — except when I trim his toe nails. I’m so full from the welcoming hugs and smiles of fourth graders who think I’m funny and who work hard to learn from a slightly crazy teacher. And I’m so full from the love of congregations who have allowed us to minister beside them.

Yes, I’m full…so full.

There are so many things that break my heart — things that break God’s heart — in this world today. War, hunger, hatred, anger, fear, homelessness, loss, rejection, bitterness, grief… and more. Still, that is not the whole story, is it?

In this world there is so much more…

There are so many who extend the hand of friendship and grace. There are so many who give their time to make a difference in the world around them, who work to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and comfort the grieving. There are so many who do their jobs as soldiers to help bring war to an end. So many who work to break down walls of hatred and anger to build bridges of friendship. And so many who simply make the world better by giving of themselves.

Yes, there is so much hurting and pain…

Yes, there are so many who work to be the hands of feet of Jesus in a world that is hurting and lost.

So what am I doing to make a difference this thanksgiving? So what are you doing?

So what now . . .