The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Reflections:

By Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

29 November 2000

What do you like best about family get-togethers?

Is it the food? Is it family? Is it the day off from school, work, or your regular routine? Is it the Thanksgiving parade or time to start your Christmas shopping?

As I traveled with some of my family to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to visit my son Troy Andrews and his family, the roads were packed.

The news reported that Thanksgiving is the most heavily traveled holiday in the year.

South of Kansas City there were several miles of backed up traffic where a two-lane road narrowed to one for a short distance. A string of cars crossed the medium onto a side road which went into Harrisburg by way of a two-lane gravel road which came back onto the Interstate, at the front of the backed-up traffic. It really saved us a lot of time but covered our van with a lot of dust. I couldn't help but think of the dust travelers endured in the horse and buggy days.

But, nothing can stop us from gathering with our loved ones for Thanksgiving, except ourselves. Sometimes money and distance, or health separate us, but for the most part we try to be together.

Why, do you think Thanksgiving is so important to so many folks?

A friend from Chicago sent me this message which I think explains the feelings:

"I love Thanksgiving because it's a time for reflection...

A gentle reminder of gratitude for all the blessings in our lives...

Our family, our friends, our children, our pets...

Our health, our company, our accomplishments, our dreams...

And for that wonderful ability to look deep within ourselves to that place that allows us to dream, to create and become our greatest possibility."

What a neat message of not only counting our blessings but of encouragement.

Even though there is a lot of things that may not be right in our lives, it is wonderful to take a weekend to reflect on blessings we do have, and for the wonderful possibilities that are yet to come?

Maybe that is the best part, there is hope for tomorrow if we look for it.

I watched a TV biography that showed an actress overcoming a physiological disorder. Her greatest encouragement was from her friend Christopher Reeves who she co-starred with in Superman. Everyone has things they must overcome, he said.

Reeves must cope with being without the use of his body, but says it can be done if we look for the possibilities that can be ours and the blessings within our reach.

As we head into this wonderful Christmas season, take whatever it is that is troubling you and think of it as an opportunity to overcome.

In some way you will if you keep your chin high, take the bull by the horn, or maybe even send it out to pasture.

Reflect on your strengths, your gifts, your blessings, and as the poem "Reach for the stars," reminds us:

"Focus your vision beyond what you see, give all your best, be the best you can be!