It's Thanksgiving Day, and I'm tempted to rehearse litany of reasons for a consistent attitude of gratitude. We've had an exhilarating two hour boat ride with a big part of my immediate family. Within about three hours, we will have a feast of abundance...traditional and creative dishes...that will verge on "sinful indulgence." We will certainly have to guard against gluttony.

At a deeper level, I know that simply being alive is a reason for Thanksgiving. Being alive guarantees us the possibility of transcending grief and pain. Where there is life, we can live in hope for change and a future of promise and meaning. It doesn't take much tv or newspaper reporting to remind most of us how very fortunate and blessed we are.

I will resist a longer litany and simply challenge us with a perspective…