How about these lucky gobblers.
As we get really close to Thanksgiving, few have it as good as this pair.
They were granted freedom by their parents.
And on a day when their relatives get baked and crispy, served up with all sorts of good things, nothing could be better.
We can learn a lot from these birds.
Yeah, it seems bad from time to time. Hassles, problems, confusion – all part of life if we’ll let ‘em be that.
And when those things show their ugly face, pushing them to the side is the best thing to do.
Hey, let’s face it, we have too much to be grateful for.
In fact, there are about as many positive thing as there are fish in the sea.
And to think some are rarely even thought about.
But every now and then …
I’m definitely not alone in this regard.
Thankfully I’ve learned more about finding a better frame of mind.
So, as Thanksgiving Day draws near, it’s a good time to think about those things that make the bad things easier to deal with.
For starters, we’re all still here – a major-league-bonus given all that’s been going on.
Grandpa always told me, “if you wake up on the sunny side, it’s a good day no matter what.”
Always listen to the elderly … they know more than we ever will.
That said, here’s a couple of things I’m thankful for.
Read them if you want, relate to them if you can and, at the least, explore your own issues that you have dealt with, the things you have overcome, the things that make you a better person.
For starters, I’d like to thank The Lord for making this and all things possible.
And I’d be totally remiss if I didn’t lay a huge bulk of my wonderment of God on my wife and companion for more than 30 years.
Ellen, if it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where or what I’d be – or if I’d even still be alive.
To say you are my savior on earth is the ultimate of understatements.
How ‘bout some more?
One is the fact that we can hunt and fish – often using some of it to feed those less fortunate.
Yes, rules and regulations are out of control, but at least we still have the ability to enjoy the opportunity.
How about taking a hand when you can, to help others. Open a door for someone or just give them a big smile and a hello.
Simple goes a long way.
On another positive note, I must, with all conscious, thank the staff here at Lynnhaven Marine.
A long-time relationship with owner Chuck Guthrie has played a huge role in my semi-retirement, but his staff has made my involvement with the organization nothing less than a pleasure.
Then there is my outdoors website, which gives me another place to participate in my lifelong career. Again, thanks to Ellen for signing on.
And while the weather around here can be nothing shy of crazy, I have to thank the wonderful folks at the National Weather Service’s Wakefield office. They churn 24-7 at a wide array of computers, satellites and radars to figure it all out – really helpful stuff when you’re into boating or other outdoors activities.
Let’s also thank the hardworking paramedics, doctors and nurses who go about their task to make folks better or keep them alive.
I could go on and on about them.
How about giving a shout of thanks to all the people in this country that build and grow things we all need. And to the good people that turn a bunch of it into a good meal when we just don’t feel like doing it ourselves.
Thanks to those who clean, organize, cut, rake and do all of those things some of us can’t or don’t want to do. Know that your are no less important than the Wall Street guy who counts the money.
Don’t forget those, like our incredibly excellent staff here at Lynnhaven, who keep our boats primed and working like they are supposed to – much like their counterparts up at the local auto repair garage that keep that part of our lives running.
This list could go on for an eternity, but boring you isn’t the idea.
So while you’re getting stuffed on turkey, and all the fixings you eat before falling asleep in front of the football game, make sure to thank these two birds for all the joy they bring.
Like the rest of us, they have plenty to be thankful for.
To read more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com
