Change has come to the US

At exactly 12:05 pm, the 44th president of the United States was sworn into office. The first African American president that this country has seen. This historic event was witnessed by masses, both in Washington DC and across the nation. No matter which side you are on, this was a historic event. Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, when you wake up tomorrow he will be your president. There are plenty of naysayers who think electing him is a mistake. Only time will tell. But he was elected by the people, which means the majority of the citizens believe in him. He has a tough job ahead of him and no, he can not do it alone. Rather than sit around and criticize or complain, we need to all do whatever we can to make this country a better place to live, to work, to raise our children, to live the dream. Change has come, and there is no turning back.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just two days away. The official beginning of the holiday season. I was thinking this morning what I have to be thankful for. 2008 has not been a good year for me, and many others in this country. If someone had told me that I would have to endure two things that would rock the very core of my being this year, I would not have believed them. 2008 has delivered two staggering blows to me. The lost of a loved one and the lost of my job. I could say, "what have I got to be thankful for this year?" But in spite of everything, I do have plenty to be thankful for. I am thankful that I still have family and friends who I love and who love me. I am thankful that I will be able to spend Thanksgiving Day with, at least, a part of my family. I am thankful that no one in my family, immediate or extended will have to spend this day alone. I am thankful that I can freely worship a God who gives me hope for tomorrow. I always say, "Simple pleasures are the best." This year, I thank God for the simple pleasures in my life, for new mercies everyday and for the grace and mercy that has brought me this far. Yes, there is plenty to be thankful for this year!

Today I was thinking about the saying, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I was thinking how much better the world might be if more people did this every day. Why don't we treat each other the way we would like to be treated? Why is it hard to be polite, courteous, considerate to others? Just food for thought...I don't even know what happened to make me think about this.