Autumn is a season of rich abundance with the rustling whispers of windblown leaves signaling the end of the growing season and the time for harvest and preparation. Seeds of flowers, vegetables and grasses are collected  and cleaned, then stored away for safekeeping until the next planting season.
So necessary as each seed no matter how tiny, holds  within it the promise of life's unending cycle - nature's greatest gift.

At this time of year Autumn is aglow with a panorama of colour. Even if something must be left undone,  everyone really should take  the time to simply sit still and watch the leaves turn. Indeed, it is a beauty that should not be overlooked nor taken for granted as the leaves form a radiant palette of gold, amber and burgundy. Magnificence is hardly an adequate word to describe the wonder of nature in Autumn.

As families come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, nature reminds us of just how fortunate we have always been in this country of ours. Is it any wonder that we have celebrated Thanksgiving each year since our forefathers first arrived on this continent?  Even now, with the turmoil and worry which we all face, we would have to be totally bereft of our senses not to appreciate her bounty.

In Canada we celebrate this day of Thanksgiving more than a month before our American cousins as being somewhat more northerly our harvest time arrives earlier. Nevertheless the holiday is as significant to us, and much similar to the American celebration, although perhaps not so steeped in football. It is a time for family to come together, to count our blessings, and to give thanks.

 Nothing we may encounter in the coming year, or that we have encountered in the year just past, can  take away the inner peace we will find if we pause and take time to appreciate the blessings we share with our loved ones at this holiday season.

Family, the health and safety of our loved ones, and the peace which comes from knowing we have done our best to secure the well-being of those we love. For me this Thanksgiving is particularly significant as I give thanks for  yet another year shared with my old friend and husband as we grow older  knowing our children are safe, free from want, and not facing the hardships so many children around the world must face each day of their lives.

May you and your families have an equally peaceful and happy Thanksgiving with many blessings for which to be grateful. My prayer is that our peoples find the wisdom and the courage so badly needed at this time  to make the changes necessary to foster and encourage  goodwill, peace, and safety for children everywhere. Perhaps we will finally find a way to live together on this planet in peace and harmony. Or at the very least begin to make a sincere effort to do so. For the sake of children everywhere we must find a way.

 Let us all pray that surely by next year at this time all of our young men and women now facing dangers we cannot even imagine will once more be safely home with their families to celebrate this festive family time with those who love and miss them so much. As we celebrate this time of thanksgiving with our loved ones let us all remember those who are not as fortunate and give special thanks for their sacrifice. May God keep them safe and bring them home soon.