I like to think of Thanksgiving as a celebration of a year of gratitude rather than just one day. In this post, I am going to share with you one of my secrets. It is one of the things that really make me happy. Let me know if you think I’m crazy or if you share my joy.

Several times each week on my personal Facebook page, I like to list at least three things I am grateful for. Sometimes I mention friends, sometimes I mention my family, sometimes it is a moment to rest but I often mention that I am grateful that I have choices in my life. Think about it, many people do not have choices. The choice of what to wear, what to eat, what book to read or whatever else.

I do not take for granted the fact that I have choices in my life. I remind myself how blessed I am every morning. I have a choice to smile through my day, spread peace and kindness and to make a difference in this world. Even the smallest things, like holding the door for someone or taking the time to listen to the response when I ask, “How are you.” These simple things are choices I can make to help make the world a better place.

One of my favorite things is to do little things for Ron. Ron is a veteran who stands next to the freeway exit each morning when I drive my daughter to class. He panhandles for his meals and life. I don’t judge Ron for what he does. I have no idea what his life path was like and how he got there. What I do know is that he is friendly and always polite and has a positive attitude. I am grateful that whenever I pass Ron, I can give him a dollar and sometimes a cup of coffee (it is cold outside here). This week, we plan to bring him a care package for the holiday. Something home-cooked with love. We will put a tag on it with his name, “To Ron”.

I can’t solve his problems but I can let him know that he is thought of,  he is not invisible and someone thinks he matters. This is love. I can give Ron, a stranger, love and that is what I am grateful for. The choice to give love. I am blessed.

After writing this, it occurred to me to reach out to my community to see what people could put together for Ron. I posted a message on a message board where I don’t even know folks. I gave a brief description of Ron and how I would like to bring him some warm things and spread kindness to him. I asked if anyone would like to join me. Last night I got an email from a gal who knitted him a Seahawk colored scarf and donated a Seahawks hat. Another gal emailed with a Seahawks sweatshirt. A third gal offered her business card so he can come in and get a meal at her place. These folks are total strangers to me and to Ron. It goes to show that although we are being flooded with negative stories about the world, good still exists and even prevails. These strangers have made this Thanksgiving something to be truly grateful for. Thanks for “being love”.