I’ve had a very hard time hearing and seeing the cheery “Happy Thanksgiving” greetings and messages this year, and am finding it almost impossible to say those words myself. That’s not because I don’t think we have anything to be thankful for, of course. I count my blessings every day, and am more grateful than ever for all of them, but I can’t put on a cheery face and forget all of the things going on right now that make this anything but a time for joyful celebration.

How can we “celebrate” when our government, in our name and with our money, continues to murder and torture people around the world, especially in the Mid East and right here at home? How can we bask in a holiday mood when that same government is plotting even more bloodshed and destruction, both abroad and here at home? How can we go on with “business as usual” with economic collapse hanging over our head like an avalanche?

I can’t.

Looking at the news, all of the war torn areas of the world, I think about the sick and elderly with no food or water, no shelter, clothing, medicine or light of any kind. I think about the women mourning the terrible and unjust loss of their children and husbands, not to mention their homes and entire way of life. I think about the children who have suffered the loss of their parents along with anything that resembles a sane world. I picture my own grandchildren in the photographs of the rubble and death.

My prayers continue for all of them, with fear and trembling for my part in allowing this to happen. How can we hope to avoid being held responsible for all of this, by God if not by the rest of the world? When will some “coalition of the willing” decide to invade and “liberate” US from the insane government that gleefully directs the murder of its own people, as well as so many others? Do we really want to ignite a third world war, and with nuclear bombs? Such insanity!!

My prayers and thoughts were also with all of the young men and women in the military all over the world. I pray for all of the mothers and sisters and relatives of those in the fighting, especially those who have lost their sons and daughters, husbands and fathers. My prayers are even more intense for those soldiers and Marines who have cast aside their own humanity and indulged in torture and murder. The pain and shame their parents and loved ones must endure is beyond my comprehension.

So, please pardon me for not wishing you a “Happy Thanksgiving.” I hope everyone will spend at least a little time this week contemplating their blessings in the light of what is happening in Israel/Gaza and elsewhere. It might not be a bad idea to start thinking about the very possible economic and political disasters about to descend on us here at home. It might be a good time to start thinking about survival. And, for those who profess to believe in God, there has never been a better time to get serious about prayer and repentance.

Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. Always has been, and always will be.