isn't she lovely?

Image credit: David Castillo Dominici

when i get down, i take some st. john's wort and watch old re-runs of the "golden girls" sitcom. hey, what can i say, the sjw mellows me out and the show makes me smile. although "golden girls" is no longer in production, it has a lot of relevance today.

i was watching it the other day and dorothy (bea arthur) gave blanche (rue mcclanahan) some advice when she was feeling down about her age and growing older. dorothy said, "hey, you've got your health, a few bucks in the bank and friends who love you, i'm not going to sit around watching you feel sorry for yourself."

(can god speak to us through old 80s sitcoms?)

the character's comments made me think about myself. during the course of one's life, it's easy to get down about where you are in life. comparison is the thief of joy, especially when evaluating your life's progress against peers.

but i have to take dorothy's advice too. i'm healthy, i've got a few bucks in the bank and a myriad of friends and family who truly love me. i can't feel sorry for myself. i can only be thankful for the many blessings bestowed upon me.

(whodda thunk it? two actresses speaking to me from beyond the grave. i hope they are smiling.)

so, during this season of thanksgiving, i do not choose self-pity. i choose to be thankful - thankful for each new day that brings new opportunities, thankful for genuine friends and family, thankful for the joy of the lord that strengthens me. and thankful to be blessed beyond measure.

may you and your loved ones enjoy a warm and wonderful thanksgiving holiday tomorrow! and may you be blessed and thankful all year long.