Thankfuls.

Today's post is compliments of my five-year-old daughter.

When I woke her up this morning by snuggling up in her bed with her, I said:

Thanksgiving means giving thanks, so it means that we are being thankful for things. Can you tell me some things that you are thankful for?

"I'm thankful for EVERYBODY.

And people everywhere. 

Even in other countries. 

In ALL the countries. 

How about you, Mommy?" 

Well. Yes, then. There you have it.

Words from the wise and wisdom from the young.

Could our world maintain that mindset, for today and all days?

With a ceasefire set in Israel I'm breathing a little lighter today. I hope and pray it stays solid and that people can stop fighting. I wish for protection of the innocent, in Israel, in Gaza, in the entire middle east. I wish for peace, and it's so easy to say it. I sound like a beauty pageant contestant.

*I hope for World Peace.*

Sure. Sure you do.

But this year, on Thanksgiving, when I am so thankful that my father came to this country with his family all those years ago. And that he met my mother when HER mother set them up and introduced them. And that my own mom decided to give this guy a shot.

And forty years later, here I am. Sitting here sharing with you.

And there's a whole lot in between, but ultimately my dad lived many years of his young life in Israel. And I hope that someday I will find myself there, experiencing the beauty that is their land. Their world. Their life.

And so with that hope and prayer, I wish for there to BE a land for me to go to.

And so I think of the words that my daughter shared, and I wish for everyone to feel them.

And I remind you to be thankful for all that you have. And think of the many who are lacking so much. The many who are hurting, from pain or sadness. The many who are cold when all we have to do is put on an extra layer or turn up the heat. I ask that you think of them and remind yourself how lucky and blessed you - WE - are.

And maybe take some time this extended holiday weekend to avoid the Black Friday sales and mayhem, and consider reaching out, making a donation, to a food bank, a shelter, spend some time at a soup kitchen, do something to show you recognize the need is there. And show you care.

It won't take much. The tiniest of efforts makes the hugest of differences in someone's life.

Even my daughter can tell that much.

And like her, I'm thinking that I'm thankful for EVERYBODY.

And that includes YOU.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!

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