“Sometimes it’s good to eat.” She said. My kid. As she sat down to a hot bowl of buttered noodles after a long cold walk with the dog in the woods.
“A hot meal an amazing thing, isn’t it?” I said.
“Yes, but I’m really hungry today.” Uh oh. I thought. Am I a bad citizen of the world? That my kid doesn’t know how miraculous it is to sit down to a hot, delicious meal in a warm house, while the wind blows the last leaves off the trees and the dog – literally – sleeps by the fire?
So this is for her.
When we asked people to tell us why they’re thankful this year, many told us about their personal blessings: babies, travels, friends, challenges overcome. And I can tell you all the little wonders of my life: my mom hit 85 this year, my daughters are fascinating and strong human beings, the fish tank bubbles nicely, and my dog. Well. She is a miracle of dogness.
But the structure holding all that up? The absolute wonder of living in this country, at this moment.
Here, then, my list of the big things that make life a pleasure, and a possibility – and which everyone should have… While all of us humans have so many of the things that make us lucky and happy – shared meals, family and friends, sunsets and animals – so few of us have the things that make life easier and more possible.
Please add your own!!
- Antibiotics: My kids probably would be gone by now without them.
- Clean water. Coming out of the tap. Cold AND hot.
- Universal, free, good public education. For boys AND girls.
- Public transportation.
- Public parks. And gardens. And playgrounds.
- Shoes. Sneakers. Boots. And that I rarely see someone without them.
- Telephones. Computers. Televisions.
- Abundant (perhaps too much so) food. That I simply bought in a store, carried home, and cooked.
- Washing machines. Vacuum cleaners. Blenders.
- Newspapers. Magazines. Free speech.
- Shampoo. Soap. Lotion.
- Jobs. Jobs that actually work to build a better world.
And this job, at United Planet. Because we recognize that sharing our wealth, building community, recognizing the vitality and dignity of every person, no matter where – is something to really be thankful for.
It’s good to eat buttered noodles. It’s good to lie down with the dog in front of the fire. And it’s good, really good, to work to enable people to open their hearts and their minds to the wonders of the world.
We wish you the best of this season of thanksgiving and celebration. Let us know what’s making you happy and thankful this year!
It’s a big world, but we all live here.
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
