Think of others in need while giving thanks

The American tradition of Thanksgiving can easily satisfy the soul. Even amidst the scurrying and hustle of meal preparation, the requisite housecleaning and myriad other activities that can easily consume what’s a long holiday weekend for many of us, there is solace to be found in the grand purpose of all the festivities.

Thanksgiving. A simple concept that’s easily forgotten or maddeningly hard to execute in a rush-and-go age. Yet, in a turbulent, troubled world, the word has an all-the-more-profound meaning. For people of goodwill, it is indeed fruitful and proper to take a moment to simply be still, reflect and give thanks.

For the great majority of Atlantans, Georgians and Americans have much to be thankful for. Our overstuffed refrigerators and pantries this weekend — and most any other time — prove that abundance is still widespread in this land. That, alone, is reason to be grateful. The fellowship of friends and family during the holiday weekend is often of incalculable value for we social animals called humans.

Being thankful at the start of another holiday season should also influence the traditional heightened concern for the less-fortunate in our midst. Many of us this time of year make additional charitable contributions, or volunteer time and effort to help others. All of which is good, worthwhile and laudable. The late President John F. Kennedy put it well when he paraphrased a New Testament verse in 1961 by saying that, "For of those to whom much is given, much is required."