Today is Thanksgiving, a holiday in the U.S. that brings to mind fussed over meals with too many side dishes that leave one feeling bloated and television commercials showing why it's good to make that trip to your local retailer at 4am the next morning. 

Today is also a day to pause and reflect–to give thanks. Sometimes, it takes a shift in perspective to genuinely find that place of appreciation and gratitude, especially in this economy.  That came for me, earlier this week, when an email showed up in my inbox, from a friend. Here it is. Photo by xybermattew

"Every once in a while, something happens that helps to keep this life
in perspective. As Thanksgiving approaches, I recently had such an
experience, and wanted to share it with you.

Today, I pulled into a customer’s parking lot, and sat in my truck with the windows down as I prepared for a meeting and the signing of a contract worth many dollars to our company.   A man approached me, and asked if I had a minute.  I was on the phone, and told him it would be a few minutes.  He then sat on a bench under a large oak tree about fifty feet away.  My immediate thought was that he wanted a job, or money.

When I got out of my truck, I turned to him, and he approached, and asked for a minute of my time.  I said okay.  While showing me his driver’s license and veteran’s ID, he explained that he was a homeless veteran who was expecting to move into some subsidized housing on December 1st.  He said that he had been given some vouchers by the Salvation Army for temporary lodging, but that they had run out a few days ago.  He asked me for twelve dollars so that he could have a roof over his head for the night. 

I looked at him; he looked at me.  He could tell that I was perhaps a little bit skeptical of what he was saying.  I asked him if the money was for drugs or booze.  And he said no.  My gut told me that this man was honest, and that he truly needed help.

I opened my wallet, and gave him twelve dollars.  That left me with one dollar in my wallet.  But I knew that I had done the right thing by helping this man.   He gave me a firm handshake, and then he expressed his gratitude.  I then went on my way, and he went on his.

I thought about this the rest of the day.  Things happen for a reason, and I recalled the times that others had helped me through difficulties.  Something told me that I did the right thing to help this fellow.  And it somehow seemed appropriate as Thanksgiving approaches that this contact with a stranger on a street corner made me even more grateful for everything that I have in my life.  The “return” on the twelve dollars was far greater than I could ever express in words."

Happy Thanksgiving. And may you feel gratitude and appreciation, not just today, but everyday.