I am thankful for ...

the mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

the taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.

the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough.

my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.

the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear her.

the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.

the alarms that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive.

weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been productive.

Be thankful - not only at Thanksgiving, but every day.

The History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is a time to express one's thanks for good fortune throughout the year.

The first big Thanksgiving celebration, however, is said to have taken place in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims and Indians feasted for three days to celebrate their rich harvest after suffering a severe winter following the Pilgrims' long, harsh journey to America on the Mayflower. The first Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued on June 20, 1676.

In 1789, George Washington proclaimed November 26th as Thanksgiving Day in honor of the adoption of the United States Constitution.

Through the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Magazine in Boston, Thanksgiving became a national holiday observed on the same day every year. She proposed the fourth Thursday of November because November 26th, the day George Washington had originally selected, had been the fourth Thursday. In 1863, President Lincoln acted on Hale's suggestion and proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving has, since 1863, been celebrated on that day-with a few exceptions. In 1865, President Andrew Johnson changed Thanksgiving to the first Thursday in December. In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant selected the third Thursday in November. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set November 23rd as Thanksgiving Day. In 1941, he proclaimed the fourth Thursday as Thanksgiving in all the states and U.S. possessions. We have continued to celebrate Thanksgiving on this day ever since.

Thanksgiving Day is associated with certain symbols and foods. Turkey is part of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Cranberries are also part of the dinner, probably because the Pilgrims had cranberries, which they found in bogs around Plymouth. The horn of plenty, or the "cornucopia," is a familiar Thanksgiving symbol. It is a symbol of earth's bounty, and reminds us how much of our food comes from the earth. Michael J. Eddleman

The Road To Happiness

"The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what interests you and that you can do well, and put your whole soul into it -- every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have." -- John D. Rockefeller, III

Attitude Determines Attitude

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important.

My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Author Unknown