Giving Thanks

I still keep Sarah Van Breathnach’s book Simple Abundance beside my bed. It’s a wonderful reminder and tool for counting my many blessings. There is something meaningful and real when we take time to write down things in our lives that matter, and it is a practice that I highly recommend. November seems to be a time when we all try to focus on being thankful. The Thanksgiving holiday helps us to remember how much we have, and invites us to give back to those who are in need. The Girl Scout Promise teaches us to serve God and country and help people at all times.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the whole year. I like that it brings together family and
friends, with no need to buy presents. I can go to worship if I chose, but no strict requirement. I fly my flag, but don’t need to make a patriotic speech. There are lots of foods that I like. And I get to do two of my favorite things – set the big table and put out the holiday towels!

In my own life there are so many blessings that I sometimes feel a little overwhelmed with
good fortune, and I know other people who feel this way as well. I certainly have my share of whiney days where I know I need to do better, but if I was a worrier, and thankfully I am not, I would be waiting for some other shoe to drop. I am blessed with people who love me. My family is healthy. This year everyone has a job, and I continue to have the best job in the world. My brother, a Colonel in the U.S. Army, is deployed to the Middle East, but seems to be in a safe spot for the time being. This past year I have had wonderful travel adventures. My dogs make me laugh, and the cat makes my husband happy. I have lots of stuff, and plenty to read. I discovered the fun of a DVR machine. Bama has won more than they have lost. The onslaught of political commercials is behind us for awhile.

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County have much for which to give thanks! Although we
weathered a bad storm at Camp Blue Bay last summer, there were no injuries and property damages were minimal. The trees will grow back. This year our Council won awards (again) for being one of the best places to work in the whole Country (NonProfit TimesTop Fifty). So far, we have been able to continue services to our girls and maintain employment despite the recession. Our girls learned how to grow vegetables and herbs this summer on the Farm at Oyster Bay. They cleaned up beaches, collected and packed food for the hungry, and sold 55,000 boxes of Cookies to be sent to our soldiers. 67 Girls earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. We are continuing to give girls and adults the tools, tactics and language that they need to tackle the Critical Issues in their lives. And every day, somewhere in our Council, girls are having fun, learning, earning and making the world a better place through Girl Scouts!

Tell us how you and/or your Girl Scouts are giving thanks this year!

Comments

  1. I am thankful for...

    ...living in the United States.
    ...my husband and my three daughters.
    ...our house.
    ...my health.
    ...part time job.
    ...able to go to the store and buy food without restrictions.
    ...able to buy extra to give to the food pantry.
    ...able to criticize the government and not worry that I will be taken away in the middle of the night.
    ...I can go to church 7 days a week or just 1 and no one will come to my door and tell me that's a no no.
    ...friends.
    ...and finally Girl Scouts, even though we are going through yet again more changes, it is still a place where girls can learn about themselves, be themselves, and hopefully learn along the way the potential to be leaders. by the same token learn that it is okay not to be a leader, we need intelligent followers.

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