Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but this year it is a more sombre occasion for many. Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain and, naturally, give rise to feelings of insecurity.

People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world. Whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home. Once again, many of our service men and women are serving on operations in common cause to bring peace and security to troubled places. For their loved ones, the worry will never cease until they are safely home.

In such times as these we can all learn some lessons from the past. We might begin to see things in a new perspective. And certainly, we begin to ask ourselves where it is that we can find lasting happiness.

Over the years, those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives; the kind of people who are generous with their talents or their time. There are those who use their prosperity or good fortune for the benefit of others whether they number among the great philanthropists or are people who, with whatever they have, simply have a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves.

What they offer comes in the form of what can easily be recognised as service to the nation or service to the wider community. As often as not however, their unselfishness is a simply-taken-for-granted part of the life of their family or neighbourhood.

They tend to have some sense that life itself is full of blessings, and is a precious gift for which we should be thankful. When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.

I think we have a huge amount to learn from individuals such as these. And what I believe many of us share with them is a source of strength and peace of mind in our families and friends. Indeed, I can reflect on the blessing, comfort and support I have gained from some of my own family of friends in this special year.

At Thanksgiving, we all feel very fortunate to have our family and/or friends around us. But for many of you, this Thanksgiving will mean separation from loved ones and perhaps reflection on the memories of those no longer with us.

I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of those we have all known in our lives who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. I am personally inspired by memories of my beloved grandmother Irene, who taught me that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.

I am still grateful that, even three years after her passing, I am still able to draw inspiration from her life and lessons, and to find in her memory a source of strength and courage. I hope that on this special day of giving thanks for those things we have and the people in our lives, you will find the strength and encouragement to sustain you too, not just on this day, but in the coming year.

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.