Thanksgiving: Reflecting
We are all aware of the social structures that are part of societies. Yesterday, Thanksgiving 2008, I was able to be a part of a “little thing” in Central Indiana that brought people of multiple social ranks together. It was neat. Before traveling on the highway, my wife and I spent the early morning volunteering for an annual event known as the Drumstick Dash, a run/walk through Broad Ripple benefiting Wheeler Mission.
Several thousand participants arrived; we distributed running tags. This event started in 2003 with 1,000 plus who were going to dash and now there are several thousand dashers. I observed that the participants ranged from the poor to the affluent, outfitted with appropriate gear for running in the cold. All were united wanting to express their thanks by doing something for others. Participating in this gathering made my heart feel good. The entire event was a highlight of Turkey Day 2008 (along with spending time with one of our granddaughters and her parents). We have participated every year since the inception of the Drumstick Dash and plan to participate every year that we are home for the holiday.
Realizing that the poor will always be a part of our lives and that most of us may be there quickly if our fortunes change, I offer this prayer to conclude our Thanksgiving week:
All-knowing God, show us the poor—
Not just the ones who have been pushed aside in the wake of competition,
but the ones who are losing self-confidence,
the ones who are victims of the system they helped to build,
the ones whose jobs no longer exist.
Show us that there also is a poverty of the heart
when saving is more important than sharing.
Help us to find security in sharing all our resources so that through our total effort,
we will answer your call,
we will learn the value of kinship with all,
and we will discover that sharing by all can mean scarcity for none.
Have a wonderful weekend in whatever you do.
Ben Keckler
11.28.08
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