Thanksgiving Blessings

Yesterday morning a young man, we had never seen before, named "David" showed up in our driveway. Out of the blue he asked to borrow $5.00, assuring us he would pay us back next week when he will start a temporary job that he has for the holiday season. Joe told him he wouldn't "loan" him the money, but that if he was willing to work, we would be glad to pay him for it. So, David worked for an hour or so, helping "eat the elephant" that is still in the yard. Joe noticed that there were several blankets in David's car, and David validated Joe's assumption that he was homeless. We didn't go into why this was so, but he talked about how he had graduated from a local high school and had played football all four years. He said that he hopes to be a physical therapist some day. After he had stayed one night in a local motel, he had learned there were no shelters in our area that would take in men, only women and children. When he finished transporting the 40 wheelbarrow loads of wood chips that he had agreed to do, Joe paid him an amount that would at least get him food for a couple of days. As he was leaving he said, "I'm glad I met you today." To which Joe replied, "I'm glad we met too David." David is one of those hundreds of thousands of people in this country today, that are without a means of support despite efforts to obtain work. Yesterday's experience made today seem so much more precious. We have a home that is warm and dry, clothes on our backs, and plenty of food to eat. We have good health and a way to get health care if we need it. We have family and friends who will help us out when we need a hand. God has blessed us in so many ways. Every day, not just today, we must remember to give thanks for those many, many blessings.