Chappy’s On Eagle’s Wings - Thankfulness at Thanksgiving

By Ron Ringo

In the tradition of our early Pilgrims, we will soon celebrate "Thanksgiving" which is a perfect time to reflect on the things for which we each are grateful. Probably, like many of you, the past year has been one filled with many of the stressors we can experience in this life. Yet, there is also a lot of evidence of the many blessings that we so freely enjoy. In everything we ought to be thankful.

It has been said, "Of all the qualities one can possess, perhaps the trait which most brings contentment and most quickly reduces stress is the virtue of gratitude." When we take a good look around and see those who seem to exhibit peace within them, and seem to enjoy more of life, even with the normal daily struggles, we find that they tend to be those who acknowledge their blessings and show gratitude.

Most of us enjoy being around these people. Sometimes we don’t even recognize why, but it is most likely due to their grateful outlook on life. They take in and appreciate the little things. They take time to enjoy a run on the beach at dawn and watch the beautiful sunrise, or recognize the joy of children playing and the beauty of nature, and then desire to share it with those around them. I have been trying to do this more in my life; to take in and appreciate all that is around me so freely given.

With the Holiday season beginning, I wanted to share a message of "Thanks And Giving." In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, "In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God." Giving thanks is an expression of a heart full of gratitude, a heart full of love. In good relationships we can express gratitude by being thoughtful and considerate, by demonstrating our thanks with love to those around us.

At the end of the OIF I, I was able to "Holy Helo" from ship to ship and ride home on ships filled with Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq. I heard great expressions of love and appreciation for the simple and little things of home. I hope we can remember and continue to appreciate the things we learned from the experience of being away from our blessings of home due to war and deployments.

We who serve in the military, who deploy now and then, or regularly, might want to receive this awakening by arranging some time for our spouse to "deploy", get away, for a couple of days and take over their responsibilities. I have had many a woman come for counseling express, "I wish my husband really appreciated the things I do around the home."

A story by Ruth C. Ikerman, shares this message. It is entitled, "Thankful Tongues."

"On Thanksgiving morning I stepped to the fence and said to my neighbor, "I'm so glad you live next door to me." She looked up with a surprised smile on her face and said, "Thank you so very much. Nobody ever said that to me before." Surely all her neighbors had often thought this about my next-door neighbor, for her kindnesses on routine days of the year were varied.

She would pick up the newspaper and put it on the porch when someone was going to be late coming home, so that the paper wouldn't be carried off by stray dogs. She could be counted on to turn off the water if a mischievous child began to play with the garden hose in the owner's absence. Yes, she was a fine neighbor, and many had reasons to be glad for the blessing of her personality. Yet when I took time to tell her in simple words that I was thankful she lived next door, she seemed so surprised and happy--as if I had handed her an unexpected amount of money."

This year as Thanksgiving approaches, I am wondering if there are others who need to hear a statement of the obvious. Should I speak a word to my doctor, lawyer, and merchant?

The emotion of gratitude that we regrettably keep hidden during much of the rest of the year has opportunity to come plainly into view when Thanksgiving Day approaches. In the true spirit of the season, we come to know the happiness spoken of in the Bible: "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" (Proverbs 15:23.) "Thankful tongues can encourage a neighbor or a loved one and show gratitude to God for his blessings."

It is my hope and prayer that with the great experience we just went through in the freedoms to vote and serve a free people, and all the other blessings we enjoy daily, in this free land our Pilgrims established, that we truly reflect on how grateful we should really be. Take the time to sit quietly and ponder how you can express that gratitude to those around you more regularly. Have a wonderful Holiday.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not be faint."… Isaiah 40:31)

Until next time, may God bless you and may God continue to bless our great nation… SEMPER FI

Chaplain Ringo, is the Command Chaplain at MCRD H&S BN, holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling, and is a Certified Trauma Specialist.

Chaplain Ringo is a good friend and supporter of HealthWalk’s. We are grateful that he is working with us on our integrated total health approach to enhancing and restoring our veterans’ resilience for re-engagement and for their transition from the high operational tempo back to their families and civilian life.