“God’s giving deserves our thanksgiving.” — Anonymous
An online thesaurus search of the word “thanks” gives a synonym of “gratitude.” Carried further, an inquiry into the “benefits of thanksgiving” yields several results. Let’s start with the five health benefits of “gratitude” from that second search (according to wellright.com).
— Gratitude alleviates pain.
— Gratitude improves health.
— Gratitude helps people sleep better.
— Gratitude elicits healthier food choices.
— Gratitude can change your brain.
Hmm. Regarding the latter two, does that mean french fry grease has been clouding my thinking all these years? And although you don’t ask for it while searching online, the pervasive “AI Overview” always pops up first and includes these claims under its “improved health” category. Sayeth Artificial Intelligence re gratitude:
— It lowers blood pressure.
— Reduces stress and depression.
— Brings with it more energy.
— Lowers levels of inflammation.
— Accelerates healing.
As many of us gather around the Thanksgiving table this week — whether at home or the abode of a relative or friend, or a joyously noisy Cracker Barrel as the aromas permeate the holiday atmosphere — we’ll ask each other what we’ve been thankful for this year. Given this space by the newspaper to pen my thoughts on a regular basis, I’d like to do the same today. So here are just a few of the things I’m been thankful for.
— A loving and loyal mate in my wife Teresa.
— Family, including 10 grandchildren, whose accomplishments in careers, scholastics and sports continue to amaze me, including promotions at work, Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girls, wrestling, football, cross-country running, tennis, basketball, soccer, swim lessons and lacrosse. How do the parents fit it all in?
— In that regard, for answered prayers for their safety. A case in point: While driving in suburban Virginia our daughter Rebecca hit a deer, and although it made Rocco cry from his backseat vantage point, only the car was damaged. Thank you, Lord!
— Walking outside onto the back porch on a clear, cold moonless night and gazing upward to see zillions of stars through the open air and bare tree limbs. Is it true they’re only holes in the floor of heaven whose glory is shining through?
— Critters who don’t attack, but just bark or give me antlered stares, while I’m out walking.
— Getting through a fortnight of continual, inexplicable headaches that stopped just as they mysteriously began. In that regard, the staff at the Raisig Clinic for their compassionate healthcare, and a pool that’s actually heated enough to enjoyably swim in; ditto for the latter at the Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton. Also for my cardiologist, dermatologist, urologist and technicians who give X-rays and MRIs.
— Three trips to the coast, one with two grandsons and another with the ulterior motive of seeing a 97-year-old friend en route.
— Too, being honored to give the eulogy for a 96-year-old friend who was an icon in his community.
— Still being allowed to use a recorder, camera and laptop to write regularly or semi-often for four newspapers and some magazines in Northwest Georgia. Having only the experience of writing for my high school newspaper 50 years ago, I’m very thankful for publishers, editors, managers and colleagues who have been mentors and friends for almost four decades.
— In that regard, for community newspapers.
— For veterans who bravely share their stories, oftentimes not easily.
— For all of you readers who make it worthwhile.
— For history, archaeology and folklore in our region, and of other areas when we’re traveling — and those who willingly share their superior knowledge of the same.
— Friendly, watchful and good neighbors in both Ellijay and Varnell.
— For my friends in all the civic clubs locally and in our region. And friends in general.
— For a mobile phone that also serves as a flashlight, recorder, calendar, datebook, online news provider, video viewer, music player and contact device for friends all over the country and internationally, including my old schoolmates, teammates and Marine and National Guard buddies.
— My parents and grandparents who never gave up on me in younger years when rebellion became my master, and the Lord Jesus Christ for having mercy on me 38 years ago.
— And for those church folk in my community who prayed for me through that era of self-imposed tribulation.
— That even after resigning as a pastor earlier this year, Teresa and I still are able to hold church services in two assisted living centers, one in Ellijay and the other in Dalton. Seniors, you are beautiful and provide refreshing times of fellowship!
— For hold-in-your-hands, turn-the-page books.
— The Psalms and Proverbs.
— And that even in — and especially during — my weakness, “(God) is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
Amen. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Mark Millican is a former staff writer for the Dalton Daily Citizen.