The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

The Turkey's In The Gravy

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

21 November 2007

We Americans become so familiar with our surroundings, that we often take things for granted and fail to see the hidden treasures that lie within our midst. Too often we grumble about the people who try to serve us rather than appreciate them.

Jan Sprout, of Jamieson Center in Monmouth, reminded us during our Thank Offering Service Sunday, that an attitude of "gratitude" reaps great rewards and that "God loves a cheerful giver."

Within the communities of Henderson and Hancock County are precious gems, and some days you just become more aware of them than others.

You see it when a neighbor comes to call on you, or when a youth earns the rank of Eagle Scout.

And you see it when your school collects food for the needy or puts on a Veterans Day program with so much honor for those who serve.

You see the goodwill in people coming together to help businesses with the community open house.

So many times we fail to see the good that others do because of a grumpy attitude.

It is almost like looking at a bowl of turkey gravy and all we see is that the sauce is lumpy, so we complain that we do not want it.

What we failed to see is that the lumps are the tender turkey meat which helps give the gravy its unique and delicious flavor.

If each of us would only take time to come into the kitchen and see what it takes to make a delicious gravy, we would understand what the gravy is made up of.

It is so much like that in our schools, our communities as well. There are unique qualities in individuals if we only take part in being a help instead of a complainer.

Taking part in our homes, our schools, and in our communities can actually be the best thing we can do this Thanksgiving to bring about a positive and joyful Christmas and New Year.

Be grateful for what you have this Thanksgiving and when you see lumps, remember the turkeys in the gravy.