“We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing,” her father said as Suzie held her hands together.
With the prayer to bless the food over, the family began to eat but Suzie sat motionless.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” her mother asked.
“We have so much,” Suzie replied.
“That’s why we give thanks, Suzie,” her father reminded.
“But Michael has little this year,” she explained.
It was true, the family two doors down had little now their father was sick and had lost his job. Their mother earned little from her work.
The family reorganised.
“We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing,” two families now prayed at the table.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Nonna Beach
November 23, 2011 at 00:05
Beautiful and perfectly keeping with the true nature of Thanksgivng…Sharing our bounty and blessings with others…BRAVO !!!
Ross Mannell
November 24, 2011 at 07:48
Thanks for the comment.
While we don’t have Thanksgiving in Australia, I know the history behind and meaning of the time. That gave me the idea of sharing and the simple logic of a child for the story.
Judie
November 23, 2011 at 00:39
Ross, what a sweet story! I was standing in line at the store yesterday with the smallest turkey I could find, and the bag boy reminded me that I could have gotten a great price on a 24 lb. turkey. I thanked him, but declined his offer to fetch one for me. Enough is enough.
Ross Mannell
November 24, 2011 at 07:50
Thanks for the comment.
There can be a tendency to overindulge in our consumer society. I like the idea of a child recognising the idea of sharing the excess with others, an act of Thanksgiving. 🙂
Anita Terry
November 23, 2011 at 03:42
Beautiful. That’s exactly the sentiment that I love to hear. Ah, children. Such sweet spirits! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Ross Mannell
November 24, 2011 at 07:51
Thanks for the comment.
As a teacher of many years, children would often amaze me with their simple logic the somtimes more complex thoughts of adults overlook. 🙂
Jenny Matlock
December 4, 2011 at 12:17
Oh Ross. What a lovely. hopeful gem of a story this was.
Would that we all just invited those in need to join us.
What would the world be like if everyone truly tried to help?
Ross Mannell
December 4, 2011 at 20:44
Thanks for the comment.
I hold hope for humanity. I think any teacher must if they work with children. 🙂