Gratitude and Action

When ‘gratitude’ is mentioned, I think right away of the word ‘thankful’ as specific occasions come to mind when I experienced or expressed gratitude: no one being hurt in that horrific rollover just after crossing the river at Bridgeton when I was in college; giving birth to my son; missing that big buck on a dark Arkansas road.

That’s one kind of gratitude, but being older now, I am aware of a couple more layers to it. One can have a state-of- being sense of gratitude. That takes it beyond episodic emotions and feelings to an overall perspective of life. Researchers tell us that those who have a thankful disposition are happier and healthier in whatever circumstances pop up.

We have entered the season when there is a focus on gratitude. Perhaps one of the first Bible verses I learned is this one from Psalm 118. Verse 24 says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Having been around now for seven decades, I feel gratitude and joy for each morning I awake.

I find myself hopping through a mental inventory of other aspects of life for which I feel deep gratitude. One is having been born in America, and another is for the nation’s citizens who worked, fought and sacrificed for this country - those who have served in the US Armed Forces. An aspect of our digital age is that we have more knowledge about conditions around the globe. No matter one’s political views, one can see we are fortunate, thanks to our veterans.

Saiying “Thank you for your service,” somehow doesn’t seem enough. To honor our veterans, we can put gratitude into action. Consider: helping the VFW Post 3485 Auxiliary with its stocking and mailing of care packages for Missouri-deployed; visiting veterans in the local nursing homes and at the VA, checking on supplies they might need; attending a Veterans Day program at one of the local schools; inviting a veteran to go along with you; preparing a meal, running errands for, seeking out veterans who might be in need; pausing a few minutes at 11 a.m. on November 11 to think about/pray for Ripley County veterans; supporting the VFW Post 3485 Auxiliary as they extend an invitation to the county’s veterans and families to a complimentary spaghetti dinner at the VFW Post on at 1866 160E-4 (Ball Park Road) from 5 to 7 p.m. on November 16.

To our veterans: We love and appreciate you. Let us know how we can serve you.