Offer the Lonely your Thanksgiving Heart

I pray this story touches your spirit with its message of having an open heart towards others.

Dear readers: While this story is about an American Thanksgiving, its message of offering your heart to the lonely is one everyone needs to hear.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a 1987 American comedy film written, produced and directed by John Hughes. Steve Martin plays Neal Page, a high-strung marketing executive, who meets Del Griffith, played by John Candy. He is the ever- optimistic, overly talkative, and clumsy shower curtain ring salesman. Del lives in a different world far removed from Neal’s ordered life. Neal is in for a wake-up call about the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

They share a three-day odyssey of misadventures. I couldn’t stop laughing following along with Del and Neal. Del tries everything possible to get Neal home to Chicago from New York City, in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family.

If you haven’t seen this movie it’s a must see for Thanksgiving. Beyond the madcap humor there is a serious message. We need to have a seat or even more than that open at our Thanksgiving table for the lonely.

This Thanksgiving open your heart and home to all those who suffer, to those who have lost their spouse, to that elderly person living all alone, to that child, son or daughter who has lost their way, and to all who need to be loved and valued.

My wife, Karen and I, are Canadians. We celebrated our Thanksgiving on Monday, Oct. 12th. We are thankful today for many things. God loves us. We have family and friends who care about us. We have a beautiful home.

There is an inner healing that comes in being thankful. I know for us it uplifts us. It helps us see our lives with all its challenges as one filled with numerous blessings.

Kitty Katherine jumps into my lap as I finish this piece. She is demanding my attention. She is prepared to lay on my right arm, to get it. On Thanksgiving let us also be thankful for our pets. They are a gift from God. They help us to destress and see part of the wondrous beauty of God’s creation. Katherine makes us laugh as she gives us a frown she has perfected to a science, we have yet to master.

Watch the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles when you get the opportunity. Even if you have seen it before, watch it again. Remember those who have no home to call their own like Del Griffith. Offer the lonely and the hurting your home not just on Thanksgiving. Do it every time you can.

You’ll be glad you did and so will they.

Dr. Kevin James Osborne M.A., M,Div., Psy D., D.Sc., D.D., O.P.C. ,D.-C.P.C. D.A.B.T.E, C.M.H.C. is Dean of Psychology and President of Student Affairs at St. James the Elder University. He is a chaplain with Holy Catholic Church International. He feels God is leading him to study more about theology, philosophy, music, writing, and counseling. Dr. Karen Osborne B.A., D.Sc. in Psychology, C.M.H.C. is the Registrar of St. James the Elder University. Our mission field is wherever God puts us for His glory.