COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS THIS THANKSGIVING DAY

What are you thankful for today? Too often, our lists are short. The problems of the world and personal headaches seem to squeeze out any chance for tranquil reflection. Money, work, the kids, money there never seems enough time or patience to satisfy everyone. Frustration builds, cynicism sets in, anger intensifies. Time to give thanks? Forget it.

If this describes your life, do yourself a favor this Thanksgiving. Take five minutes out from the rush and bustle and really reflect on your life. Take time to concentrate on what you have, instead of always dwelling on what you don't have. Take an inventory, and really count your blessings.

Do you have a roof over your head, and food on your table?

Thousands of hurricane victims do not.

Do you have a job?

Millions are unemployed.

Do you have a spouse or kids? Do you have friends?

There are a lot of lonely people in the world.

Are you healthy?

Many will spend the holiday in a hospital bed.

Everyone has problems. We must learn to enjoy life in spite of them.

It's easy to complain about the state of affairs. But there are millions of people around the world who would gladly trade places with you. They don't have the freedom of choice or personal safety that we take for granted. Would you trade places with someone in Somalia, Yugoslavia or even Russia? Few places offer the opportunities of America.

Happiness shouldn't be based on how many television sets we own or the latest fashions we wear. We shouldn't live or die by the size of our homes or the luxury of our cars. Because in the end, material things won't matter.

How do you want to be remembered? As kind, forgiving, helpful or charitable? Or will you be described as someone too busy or dour to enjoy life. It's not hard to make a real difference in someone else's life. It doesn't cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. It can be as simple as a smile, as charitable as extending a helping hand.

What do you have to be thankful for? Chances are, there are many things. We should all stop and smell the roses before they wilt. We must make peace with our lives, and learn to be realistic about our expectations. Life is simple, if we put things in perspective. This Thanksgiving Day, let's really count our blessings, and learn to enjoy what we have.