Giving Thanks

Well, this should have been my Thanksgiving Day blog entry, but a bout of the flu had me down midway through the day. After reading another photographers blog, I felt moved to blog today. Her's was on the wastefulness of the United States. And I agree somewhat but, I'm an optimist, not a pessimist. I see the good in everything and have been accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses. I don't think that is a bad thing. I have a lot to be thankful for.
I'm thankful that I got to spend the day with my family on Thanksgiving. We had enough food to eat and yes, the kids may have wasted some, but I didn't see much on the dog's scrap plate (which is just wrong to feed to a dog). I'm thankful, my business is going in the direction so that I can give back to other areas. Currently the pet portraits for abused, neglected and homeless cats, dogs and other four legged domestic creatures. I'm thankful that my children attend a public school that has received academic excellence and still allows the parents to be very involved. So much that the studio is able to give back to the PTO, PAC and the Academic Boosters.
I'm thankful for organizations who help people this time of year and year round with food and those who give to these organizations. Such as the Angel Food Ministries, the food pantries and area churches.
There is so much good in this world and especially right here at home. I think when we fail to see it and focus on the bad, things just fall apart. This is the time of the year especially, to really focus on others around us. Give thanks for what we have and give in whatever way we can in helping those less fortunate. Sarcasm and pessimism don't create change. Positive focus, good deeds and good will do.
So, especially during this holiday season, bless those around you with a good healthy dose of optimism and a smile.