A Thanksgiving Message: What I Am Thankful For On This Day

I see this homeless man almost every time I drive down Beverly Boulevard...

I see him and hundreds of others jut like him who drift and wander the shining streets of Beverly Hills like plastic bags caught in a breeze - not knowing or even caring where they are going, but knowing that they are moving none the less.

This particular man sleeps in front of the Kinko's and also near the AT&T from time to time...

I watched him for about 10 minutes the other day as people walked past him as though he were invisible...

But, he's not invisible - hence the reason why I see him almost everyday on my morning commute.

It's difficult for me to fathom any kind of happiness in his life, and yet the optimistic side of me wants to think that there is some tidbit of reason - some amount of happiness - something meaningful and reasonable for him to cling to as he floats adrift in the swells and storms of his own existence.

So, why this picture on a day where we are giving thanks for all the things we have? Why this? why now?

I say, why not?

On this Thanksgiving Day 2007, as we sit in our living rooms, watching television, sharing meals and stories and getting bombarded by the many advertisements regarding Christmas Sales that begin as early as midnight tonight, I wanted to remind you that you have many things to be thankful for. Just take a good look around you for a second to stare into the place where you live - the faces and eyes who look back at you with love and care and the bounty of food on the table. These are all graces and good things we share and celebrate on this day. It is a reminder that there is family to be cherished, love to be given and received, and things which we take advantage of to be recognized.

The message of Thanksgiving is simple - the real Thanksgiving lies within you - it is your ability to recognize those things that are good and right and they are all things to be thankful for. Take the time to share your thanks with the people around you and toast to their love, passion and inspiration. Try not to be thankful for the material things you have in your possession because they do not make you - it is the people who love you and support you - they are the true inspiration which drives you everyday!

I wish each and everyone of you a very happy - a very prosperous and very loving Thanksgiving Day 2007.

Oh! As reminder, don't forget to make a left-over plate to give to a homeless person tonight - it does not hurt to give to those in need - but it does hurt ignore those who do need!