Thanksgiving Day morning and as I sat at my table eating breakfast, I began thinking of all the things I should be thankful for. The most obvious came to mind; family, friends, food, a roof over my head, etc. But that line of thought soon turned into the realization of just how many things I take for granted.

You see, I've always had family, friends, food, and a roof over my head. I've always had opportunity to educate myself, and I've always had a job. There has always been someone who cared for me when I was sick, and always someone to go hunting or fishing with. While they may not have been "name brand" or had been hand-me-downs, I've always had descent clothes and shoes. These are just a few of the things I've always taken for granted.

Then I thought of how many television news programs and newspapers that tell us daily just how much the rest of the world hates us because of how we live. They tell us the government is supposed to take care of us. They tell us we are wrong if we mention God, much less if we admit worshipping Him. So giving thanks to Him publicly is the absolute worst thing we could possibly do.

Well, I've got a few concerns about all that. If the rest of the world hates us so much, then why are so many crossing our borders to enter our country. Where in the U. S. Constitution does it say the government is supposed to take care of us? If we are not supposed to mention God, then why are so many references made about Him throughout our historical documents and government buildings?

Now, please don't take me wrong for I believe it is our responsibility -- not the government -- to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. When I refer to "our responsibility", I mean you and me; the people, the churches, our neighborhoods, etc.  But I also believe that those who REFUSE to take care of themselves, suffer whatever ills they allow to come their way.

When I think of how far we've wandered from what we were a short thirty or forty years ago, I get so frustrated that I allow anger to begin welling up inside me. I resent being forced to accept moral issues I oppose. I resent being forced to accept certain lifestyles and abortion. I do not try to force my tenets upon others yet it is common occurrence for different beliefs to be forced upon me. Sure, I will talk about my beliefs; I may try to persuade you to join me, but I will not attempt to force you to accept them. Such choice, my friends, is yours. My rejection of other beliefs, is my choice.

In my humble opinion, God has blessed this nation tremendously yet we have grown to believing our freedoms are rights rather than blessings. Maybe we should give a little more thought about that. Maybe we oughta give our thanks to God more than once a year, too.


Galen White lives in Homer. He may be reached via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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