DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN

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The Leaves of Autumn

Picking at Scabs

Photographing the Moon

Standing Tall

This Adventure Called Life

Controversy and Truth

Coming Home

Unanticipated Gifts

Safe Harbor

Island Luminaries

Living Life to Its Fullest

Thwarted Plans

Learning from the Fair

Devotion

Screaming Ninnies

False Alarms

MORE COLUMNS...

ANOTHER BUSY WEEK

It's another busy week on our island. Three plays are in performance. Experts are presenting information about genetically engineered food. Defenders of individual rights and freedoms are holding a potluck social. Applications for our 2008 community leadership development program are due. Utility and construction crews are rushing on their various projects, trying to beat the rainy season. Were it not for the sale on frozen turkeys and cranberry sauce and the long lines at the grocery store, a person might not even realize that Thanksgiving Day is upon us.

There are those who will travel this week to visit family and friends. Others will be with friends and relatives here on the island. A few will even choose to enjoy some time alone at the end of the week. Most of us will easily manage to eat too much.

The televised parades and ball games will entertain large numbers of folks recovering from overindulgence. Others will be found spending money at various stores, shops, galleries and studios. Many will pick up special gifts at the Holiday Market Place, fondly known as the big craft show at the elementary school. Some will even go for rejuvenating walks along the roads, trails and beaches that help us remember why we choose to live here.

By the end of the week we will have completed our traditional Thanksgiving rituals, and it will be another busy week on the island. Then, hopefully, we can recognize that the true celebration of being thankful needs to take place in those busy weeks that happen all year long. Then, perhaps, we will remember to give thanks whenever we attend a play, go shopping, learn more about our environment, join with others to protect our rights and freedoms, or see those folks working in less than desirable weather to make our lives better, safer, and more comfortable.

• Do you notice daily reasons for being thankful?
  
  
• How do you express your thanks?
  
  
• Are you willing to share your thankfulness with others?
  
  
• What are you thankful for in this particular busy week?
  
  

© 2007 David Bentley

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David Bentley, M.Ed., is an avid observer of people, places and events. He uses his storytelling and questioning skills to help himself and others think outside the box in an ever-changing world.

Comments about his column can be sent to davidbentley@sanjuanislander.com.

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008

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