“’Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say.” ~Alice Walker 

For my friends in Canada, a prayer on Thanksgiving day:

In a world grown increasingly weighted down with weary souls, hungry stomachs and aching hearts, let us—those who enjoy the warmth of family, friends—remember our blessings.

We have many blessings. Sometimes, it’s helpful to stop long enough to remember them:

We have eyes, and lungs, and hands and feet.

We have minds that can compute and hearts that can feel.

We have work that sustains us and food in the refrigerator.

Today, let us give thanks for all the things we take for granted: electricity, heat, hot and cold running water. A freezer, a drier, a television. Our health, our family, our job.

The list is endless.

Notice. And give thanks today.

With eyes, arms and heart wide open.

It can make everyday a thanks giving Day.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~William Arthur Ward