With all the scary things going on in the world right now, it is easy to forget that there are still plenty of good things too both small and large — a bright blue sky, a gorgeous sunrise, a starry night, fresh snow, a garden, purring cats, silly chickens, a spouse who loves me, bicycles, friends, family, books, lots and lots of books.

When I take the time to think about it I am filled with joy and gratitude. It is kind of sad that we need a day to remind us to be thankful, but it is also pretty awesome that there is a day set aside to do just that. Whether or not you are celebrating Thanksgiving today, don’t forget to pause now and then to recollect the good things, the things that sustain us in times of uncertainty and struggle, the things that bring us together.

Be safe. Do good. And thank you for being part of what I am grateful for.

Perhaps the World Ends Here
By Joy Harjo

The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat
to live.

The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it has been since creation, and it will go on.

We chase chickens or dogs away from it. Babies teethe at the corners. They scrape their knees under it.

It is here that children are given instructions on what it means to be human. We make men at it, we make women.

At this table we gossip, recall enemies and the ghosts of lovers.

Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. They laugh with us at our poor falling-down selves and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table.

This table has been a house in the rain, an umbrella in the sun.

Wars have begun and ended at this table. It is a place to hide in the shadow of terror. A place to celebrate the terrible victory.

We have given birth on this table, and have prepared our parents for burial here.

At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks.

Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.

Thanks Academy of American Poets!