Reality Motherhood: Thank you for all you do

We've just spent a day focusing on giving thanks for life's blessings. I wonder, though, if we might have forgotten a few folks. If you didn't remember to be or express your thanks to these groups of people -- who have influences our lives in a positive way -- I hope you'll consider doing so in the coming days and weeks.

Be thankful for the men and women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic status who unselfishly defend our country. Appreciate the sacrifices their families and friends must make to ensure their dream of defending the freedoms our nation enjoys.

Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics and 911 operators work tirelessly on our behalf to make the city and surrounding areas safer for children. Thank you for your efforts and sacrifices.

Be thankful for teachers, principals, coaches, counselors, aides, office staff, cafeteria workers and custodians who work at my kids' schools. Many could be doing something else that paid more or offered greater prestige. However, like missionaries, many educators are called to nurture and prepare young people for life.

Our nation's healthcare system takes a beating, but (so far) it's still the world's best. We should be thankful for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, orderlies, aides, and administrators who keep hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and pharmacies operating.

Too often, we take for granted the freedom to worship where I choose. Today, give thanks for religious freedom. Be grateful for area pastors and staff members who make available many different choices, based on individual preferences. Show your appreciation for youth leaders, children's workers and countless volunteers who serve willingly and cheerfully.

Be thankful for coaches, umpires, referees and trainers who strive to instill in our children a healthy balance between sportsmanship and competition.

Be grateful for those who seek to make our world more beautiful through their art. Some teach their craft -- whether it be painting, voice, a musical instrument, dance, drama or creative writing -- to the next generation of budding artists. Others entertain us with the depth of their talent, making us laugh or cry or get angry. Thank you for practicing your art and perfecting your craft.

Our lives are enriched by many folks who provide a specialized service, whether it be styling my hair, doing my nails, repairing an air conditioning system, installing a new washing machine or delivering the newspaper and mail. Some we see on a regular basis. Some quietly and consistently do their jobs with little recognition.

Still others touch our lives on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as we run errands and "do" life. Thanks to those who work at office supply stores, cleaners, grocery stores, drug stores, video stores, banks, home improvement warehouses, clothing stores, movie theatres, gas stations, restaurants and countless other places we frequent, then forget. Smiles, a gentle "Have a nice day" or "My pleasure" means more than you can know.

Thanks to those who keep things in our houses functioning as they should by providing electricity, gas, high speed internet, and phone service. Much of your interaction with people is by phone or computer, but many of you do your job with enthusiasm.

It's easy to focus our attention on the stuff we're always thankful for. Many of us reflected on God's many blessings-in the form of family, homes, friends, and health. We're deeply thankful for the unconditional love of those around us.

But this year, I hoped we could all look beyond the obvious and say thanks to those who may not realize how much we need and appreciate them.

A Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.




Author/Speaker Leslie Wilson just released a new e-book: One Thousand Gift Receipts: The Holi-Devo. Check it out on Amazon. She also blogs at www.lesliewilson.com. Follow her on Twitter @LesliePWilson or like her Facebook fan page: Leslie Wilson.

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