THANKFUL FOR THESE FIVE THINGS, AND MORE. . .

Hal Pease, on his Facebook page, says:

"Despite the cloud hanging over this Thanksgiving for many Americans, Jennifer Rubin, in today’s Washington Post, offers these five reasons to give thanks:

"1. Global poverty is in decline. Extreme poverty has decreased from 52% to 21% over the past 30 years resulting in a billion fewer people in this category.


"2. People are living longer. Life expectancy has increased by five years between 2000 and 2015 reversing declines in the 1990s.


"3. Americans are extraordinarily charitable. 2014 saw a 7.4% increase over 2013. These donations accounted for 72% of all contributions received that year.


"4. Younger adults are reading more. Of books purchased, Millennials bought 30%, Baby Boomers bought 24%. And, 61% of Millennials carry a library card.

"5. We are becoming less violent. In spite of what we sense, the long-term trend is down. Violent crime has dropped by more than 50% in a decade.
'So, yes,' says the writer, 'gratitude is in order.'”

So well stated. And may I add two more things: millions of loving families, thousands of sacred sites for many faiths.

Saying grace at Thanksgiving meal at home of Earle Landis in Neffeville, PA, USA
 Photo in public domain via Wikimedia Commons.