Taking time to be thankful

Charles Reichley
Published: November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving is a time when we can reflect on what is good in our lives, rather than what is bad. It is important, especially when things look gloomy, to take stock of what is going right, what we have to
be thankful for, to “find something which will encourage you, uplift you, or at least keep you from despair,” as I said in a previous Thanksgiving column.

In September, I was lying on my couch, on bed rest recovering from retinal laser surgery. I had torn my retina twice in three days, and I worried that I’d need more surgery, or worse. When things are
going bad, I usually cope by doing things, to keep myself from thinking too much. But in those days, with the market crashing, and with it the fortunes of my preferred candidates in the election, I was
forced to lie on the couch, staring at the ceiling as waves of anxiety engulfed me. Of course, my family suffered with me.

But at some point, through the despair, I had time to take stock of my life, again. Confronting my worst fears, I considered what was really important. It wasn’t money, or my eye, or the election, but my
family, our relationship with God and how I had neglected that aspect of my life. So I called my pastor, and we had a long talk. I can’t say I’ve changed, or done what I need to — that is a long-term
project. 

My point is that it’s important to take some time once in a while to stop and reflect. It’s easy to get wrapped up in living and forget why, or to get wrapped up in doing things and forget what you really
need to accomplish. Thanksgiving gives us all a chance to reflect, without having to endure serious medical conditions.

For the record, the surgery worked, and other than some haziness, my eye is as good as new. I’m thankful that my eye doctor knew what was wrong and that she got me to a specialist who was able to
fix me.

I wasn’t glad that Barack Obama won the election. However, I realize a majority of the voters are happy with the outcome. Remembering the bitterness of the losers in 2000 and 2004, I have decided to be
thankful for the happiness of those who voted for him. I know I felt better when my candidates won and I’m trying to be glad for those who get to experience that now.

However, I’m thankful we seem to have won the war in Iraq before Obama takes over. Whatever your position on the war, I hope some day we can all agree that winning was better than giving up. 

When things are going bad, it can be hard when others give thanks for good things in their lives. But I believe it is important to be able to rejoice in other people’s good news. Yes, misery loves company,
but we are better off when we can cheer each other on, rather than try to tear each other down.  Thanksgiving gives us a chance to be thankful for the good fortune of others, as well as our own.

I am thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed upon me, my family and this nation. That may be seen today as a controversial statement, but there was a time when it was accepted to express
thanks to God and even to ask for His hand of blessing on our country. 

I received an e-mail from the Baptist Press containing the text of a 1777 Thanksgiving Proclamation issued by the Continental Congress. It called for the nation “to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of
December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their
divine benefactor.” It asked God “to afford His blessings” on our government, to “prosper the public council,” and to “inspire our commanders” with the ability “to secure for these United States the greatest
of all human blessings, independence and peace.” 

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, for thanks, for rededication. It’s an opportunity to put aside our worries and cares and spend time with family and friends, remembering what is good and right in our
lives and what is truly important.

Charles Reichley has been a Prince William County resident since 1981. He can be reached at critically .