"We can change this world around."

I was walking with one of my grandchildren in a big name chain store not long ago, and she was looking around studying the decorations on the shelves.

"Hey Nana," she said. "I think they forgot Thanksgiving."

I told her that may very well be, but the big thing is that Thanksgiving is not a big "money maker" for retail business.

So, every year we go through the gamut - Halloween decorations come out and then Christmas. Somewhere in there might be a spattering of Thanksgiving themed items, but there won't be much space dedicated to it. Of course, around Christmas time there will also be a "spattering" of New Year's decor as well.

The retail stores know what brings money to their coiffures - and it doesn't have a lot to do with being thankful.

It's sad really.

Thanksgiving is not a particularly religious holiday - it's one started many, many decades ago after this country was "discovered". (Although I'd venture to say the Indians would say it didn't need discovering.

So, not being "particularly" religious - that means it is for everyone. You would think such a holiday would cause more people to ask that question - "did you forget?"

This world is not what it used to be by any means. I realize not everyone believes in the Bible or God, etc. etc. However, if you take a look at it, you would see where some of the things mentioned in this book are coming true.

Take for instance Mark 13:12. ESV "And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. NIV Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death."

There hasn't been a mass killing happening of parents as yet, but there has been a "killing off" of sorts of families. Many parents' children are turning against the very people who brought them in to this world. The lack of respect. The lack of holding them in any bit of regard is fading more all the time.

Real or imagined hurts are causing rifts more the size of the Grand Canyon rather than a small crack in the foundation. There is no communication. No talking or working things out. No being there for each other.

Who needs a war with a foreign country when you have "family" at home you can fight with?

Don't get me wrong, I realize all too well that sometimes family can grate on the last nerve. I mean, teenagers have been pros at that since time began. There is a reason someone came up with the saying, "teenagers are why guppies eat their young."

They will try you. They will exasperate you. But guess what? At the end of the day - they are your children. You did bring them in to this world.

The realization that a family member is not always going to do what you think they should do. That they are going to say and do things that not only can irritate you, but down rite make you angry. It is called reality for a reason - it's real.

In spite of the irritation. In spite of the times when words can become harsh. When choices can hurt feelings. And in spite of the times when you wonder who in the world they are - they are still your family.

Unless they are physically harming you. Unless they have financially destroyed you. Unless they are mentally destroying you by the cruel things they say - they are still - your family. No "in-law", friend or stranger should be encouraging or convincing you to forget that.

You don't have to like everything they do. You don't have to agree with them all the time. But, they are your family. And it better be pretty significant before you just block them from your world.

They are where you came from, but they do not define you. An alcoholic father does not make an alcoholic child - it's called using your head and making a choice. We can change this world around. We can give grace, after all we may need someone to give it back to us.