Happy Thanksgiving from the Valley of Olympia

My Brothers;
I join PR Jon Lenander, Sec'y Skip Sanford and VM Ricky Bonnell in wishing you a most wonderful Thanksgiving.

Personally, I’ve always admired Thanksgiving as the most meaningful of all the Holidays we celebrate throughout the year. While not exclusively American as a national Holiday, it is certainly American in origin. It is not a religious Holiday, yet for most us it is a special opportunity to give thanks to our Creator for our many blessings and comforts, for our families, and for our joys. At the same time, my atheistic friends can also express an appreciation and share in an introspection of life that is meaningful and heartfelt, in celebrating Thanksgiving.

For too many, 2008 has not been kind, whether it be the economy or conflicts overseas, for declines in health or other issues. The news today unfortunately is often filled with doom and gloom, spreading fear and giving a jaundiced eye toward the true picture. As Americans, we should continue to be extremely thankful for the many, many blessings we are provided. To billions of people around the world, America remains the Promised Land. For most of us - we have plenty of food, we have clean water, we have warm beds to sleep in and clean clothes to wear. We have family, friends and Brothers that we can count on. We have hope for a better tomorrow.
In an odd sense, I am even thankful for the recession to which we seem to be now immersed, as it has forced many of us to re-focus on what is truly important in our lives. Maybe one silver lining is that Thanksgiving will cease being seen as simply a day of food and football, and the kick-off to the Christmas buying season.

Brothers, if you are going to enjoy a great meal and the warm company of your family this Thursday, don’t forget to give a prayer of thanks for what we do have; rather than dwell on what we may lack. Conversely, if you do know of a Brother or neighbor who may be alone or hungry this Thanksgiving, if you cannot help please contact one of us who maybe can. There may be no better opportunity to express true Masonic Charity - in sharing our time, our caring, and our table.


Have a most Happy Thanksgving, and may the Supreme Architect continue to Bless us one and all. So mote it be.
Fraternally,
Kris