I’ve had this column on my mind since the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. But, I felt it would be more meaningful perhaps to many a few days past all the turkey and dressing.  

Deep thoughts came to me on that Wednesday, Nov. 24, as I headed out to a local grocery to run some errands for some dear friends.  

We published the T-G, as you know, earlier that week prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, so I decided to make good use of my extra time.  

Typical for me on Thanksgiving eve, I made my way to the local grocery, struggling to find a parking place that wasn’t in Egypt (that means a block a way from everything down here.) As I entered the store, I was consumed by all the “noise, noise, noise.”  

Everyone was pushing their way through the crowds—all trying to score those Thanksgiving feast items. Cashiers were checking everyone out as fast as they could click.  

Have you ever just stopped in the middle of such chaos and prayed?  

While I was scared to stand to stationery in the place with my eyes closed and especially hit my knees (for obvious reasons) I did have some pretty quick thoughts of gratitude I sent up to the Good Lord.  

One was that I was thankful I didn’t have to buy a cart full of groceries that day and was able to make my exit in about 20 minutes.  

Then, a man I had seen just a few minutes earlier at the Colloredo Boulevard and North Main intersection came to mind. He was holding a sign toward traffic which read: “I’m hungry and homeless.” Was he being truthful in his quest? That’s not for me to judge.  

As I continued to watch the masses of people trying to get their groceries, I suddenly thought of that man. I felt a little guilty as all the grocery store revelry and mayhem seemed to progress.  

While at the pharmacy, I witnessed even more chaos. I sympathized with one of the techs, giving her a good old “bless your heart.” She responded, “It’s overwhelming.”  

A rack was running over with packages of medication orders. Workers rummaged through the racks and tote after tote for people’s prescriptions.  

I pondered how Americans, on the eve of such a historic holiday of discovery and thankfulness, continue to cross rough seas, fight illness. I thought about how those medicines are likely treating diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure or anxiety. 

Have you thanked Jesus lately for your good health?  

I did that last Wednesday at the pharmacy counter. To paraphrase Christian artist, Michael W. Smith, “We’re living in a dry and weary land. But God hears the cries of His people.”  

While standing in line at the pharmacy, this man and I had a nice discussion about vaccines and contemplated many other things about this world.  

You know, like how the price of food has tripled— something truly detrimental for a lot of hard-working folks.  

When we become a larger praying nation, I believe things will turn around for good, but, only then.  

Those totally surrendered to Christ—those who enter into each day with prayer and supplication—know humble prayer remains the most sufficient way to get through each trial.  

We were not promised rose gardens but we are to be faithful ever-the-same.  

It is my hope not to cast depression. But rather to bring attention to how many people need a little comfort and joy this holiday season. It never hurts to be reminded, just a little. I was reminded last week.  

Remember the ‘least of these’ when you make out your Christmas lists. If you’re uncomfortable helping the homeless, reach out to a senior citizen, someone suffering grief or a non profit. This may be their first Christmas without that loved one. Local non profits all suffered loss during the pandemic, due to being unable to have fundraisers.  

As Linus in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” always says: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” (Based on biblical text: Luke 2:8-14 KJV.) Suggested online read at www.biblegateway. com.