Do you ever get discouraged? Of course, we all do. Things don’t go our way, we suffer aches and pains or serious health problems or people let us down. There are certainly lots of things going on the country to get discouraged about. With Thanksgiving coming up this month, how do we get ourselves in a thankful mood? I am reminded of the old hymn “Count your Blessings” written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. in 1897. Part of the song goes like this:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
If we take the time to look we will soon find that we have more to be thankful for than to be discouraged about. One thing I am thankful for is our nation’s veterans. At Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. we have the privilege of performing home modifications for veterans to make their homes safer and more comfortable for them. Veterans Day is November 11, commemorating the armistice signed to cease hostilities in World War I. Signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, it was first celebrated as Armistice Day, and later as Veterans Day to honor all American veterans. Let’s all take some time this month to thank a veteran for their service to our country. Without their sacrifice we would be living in a much different world. We are losing our World War II veterans, referred to as the greatest generation, on a daily basis. They stood up for freedom and many paid the ultimate price. A little more of that spirit would go a long way today.
I am also thankful for my family and my health. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, sometimes for the only time all year. Slow down and take time to appreciate one another and let your family members know how much you love and appreciate them. Be thankful for health. Take time to look around your home and take care of any hazards that could lead to an accident. Falls are a serious hazard for older adults and can lead to serious injury or even death. Look around your home for loose rugs, trailing extension, cords, and clutter. Make sure you have bright, glare free lighting throughout your home. Make sure you have sturdy railings or grab bars throughout your home to hold on to. Consider adding a fall protection package particularly in the bathroom. The fall protection package consists of a tub to shower conversion, fall protection flooring and shower and bath mats, and grab bars. An investment in your safety today will pay you back in a sense of security tomorrow.
I today’s world there are many things to be upset and discouraged about. It takes effort to look for and focus on positive things. But the effort is well worth the trouble. An attitude of gratitude is often one of the biggest factors in longevity and overall health. People who acknowledge all that God has done for them live longer, happier lives. Take time to think about all you have to be thankful for and share it with others this month as we celebrate Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Look for ways to brighten someone’s day. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you for reading “Housing Matters” and please let me know if there are topics you would like me to discuss. You can reach me by phone at (540) 384-2064 or by email at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com
