When we look at everything going on around us in the world, the easy road often seems to complain, to criticize, to withdraw, to blame. Looking back on 2013, I see so much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for those with vision in the field of medicine who dream and work for cures to cancer, Parkinsons, and the myriad of illnesses that plague us. I am thankful for those who dream of a day when the human right of health care is a reality. I am thankful for the multitude who sacrifice their personal comfort and time making others comfortable.
I am thankful for the selfless millions who give to provide food for the hungry and the thousands who serve that food to families and homeless. I am thankful for agencies dedicated to the reduction, if not the elimination, of hunger in my community, state, country, and the world.
I am thankful for the generous throngs who give coats off their backs or out of the surplus of their clostes so others can be warm. I am thankful for individuals and organizations who brave the elements to find the neglected and bring them in for food, warmth, and clothing.
I am thankful for teachers who sacrifice higher salaries to serve and educate the next generation, sharing dreams, inspiring the next scientists, doctors, public servants, and teachers. I am thankful for these unsung heroes who give out of their own resources to supplement meager teaching provisions so their students will not be neglected.
I am thankful for the caring who visit those in prison to let them know they are humans of worth and dignity and valued as human beings.
I am thankful for the millions who have and continue to preserve our freedom.
I am thankful for poll workers and canvasers who strive to keep the vision of democracy alive for every citizen.
I am thankful for those who bag my groceries and smile warmth and cheer while earning a minimum wage. I am thankful for everyone who supports a living wage.
I am thankful for those who march and protest to remind the rest of us that the dream has not been fully realized yet.
I am thankful for those who serve in public office with humility, honesty, and a passion for everyone.
I am thankful for every person of goodwill, yearning for peace, living the peace so desperately needed in our world, and dedicated to the elimination of violence in our society and world.
My hope and resolution for 2014----to recommit and act in a way that serves others in becoming the people and world we are capable of being.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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