Friday, November 28, 2008

Black Friday

Greetings and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

It doesn't seem possible that Thanksgiving day has come and gone with all the preparation of cooking and baking to make our tables an abundant harvest from the earth. Mindful however of all those who waited in soup kitchen lines and shelters this year for a meal. Maybe they were first timers with their families who experienced a downturn financially and had no where to turn for a good Thanksgiving meal. We are lucky to have these places who serve so well the needy of our times. We thank God for those who donated their time, talent and treasure to help out.

I often think about the term 'Black Friday', and having a retail background , I know quite well it means; big dollars and cents for the retail industry. However, when I look at the people in the shelters, soup kitchen lines and food pantry lines these days,I can't help but think how many 'Black Fridays' they will experience which won't be of the material kind. I feel for all those who are having it so difficult. I pray for hope to dispel fear during these uncertain and anxious times.

Myself, I feel called to live on much less. I am disposing of all those things that I don't really need or want. I have made more trips to the Salvation Army boxes and Resettlement Refugee Donation Center. I feel free in knowing that I am sharing with others who are so less fortunate. It is a real good feeling!

What are your thoughts?

SP