It is Thanksgiving! I am thankful for life which has been full of change and adventure since birth on a farm in Rabun Co., Ga. While we were poor our hard working, devoted parents loved us kids and toiled to clothe, feed, and send us to school. They also took us to church and taught us about God and our spiritual needs. A continuing theme was to be thankful, to live by the good principles of life, and trust God.
By leaving home, going to college, and then serving over 20 years in the Air Force gave me the opportunity to travel, see people and customs in America and compare with those in other countries, and experience the wonders of the world. Experiences with wars came in Korea and then Vietnam. A beloved commander was killed in Korea. What almost got me there was with Asiatic flu, which put me in the hospital. Later in Vietnam I was hit in one arm by a bullet and spent time in a hospital in Japan. There with amazing doctors and nurses, and other patients, I learned patience and trust both in God and in my own self. After retiring in an accident after an all-night rain flooded the road that totaled my car but left me unscratched, I then came to realize God was with me and throughout my life before then. It was not that I deserved life but that God is in charge and has a purpose for me.
I loved the seashore, the broad seas and islands and thrilled at sights of whales, porpoises, albatrosses and palm trees waving in the salt tinged breeze. I learned about other countries and people. In time, I learned to adjust to new places, situations, people and life as it unfolded.
Today our area, now struck by extreme drought and spreading forest fires, is under stress and folks are in need. Hundreds of firefighters, forest service personnel, and planes are trying to tame the widespread fire. One of the worst droughts in years are upon us and streams are running low.
Those of us who can will meet today in family groups and enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal and fellowship together. Yet, in doing so, we will keep praying for those in harm’s way or otherwise suffering. As I meet with family I will also be thinking of long ago Thanksgivings when as a child in our humble home of shingle roof and clapboard sides, we gathered to eat a hearty meal and enjoy the fellowship. Let us also remember our service personnel and their families, many of whom are separated as loved ones serve in far places and perhaps in harm’s way.
A new president is soon to be in place, along with other officials, who needs prayer and divine guidance. Our nation – our people as a whole – need to re-commit and renew our faith and unite to renew America’s vows and make bright again the “Shining City on the Hill.”
