A Time to be Thankful♦

Like a Rolling Stone

Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns
When they all come down and did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain't no good
You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that
He really wasn't where it's at
After he took from you everything he could steal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts and things
But you'd better lift your diamond ring, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

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Spend some time during this holiday season reflecting on your many gifts, and cherish them. Take time to remember that others have not had it so easy, or do not have the same strong disposition to change the life that they lead. During your holiday spendings, take some time to visit your favorite charity and give. In Atlanta, visit Hosea Feed The Hungry or another food pantry in your area. The stores are expecting higher sales than last year so I know that you all can share just a bit more $$, even if you did also contribute to Hurricane Katrina charities.

Whether your faith finds you in a church, synagogue, or mosque, or just sitting at home in quiet reflection, always remember that you are ultimately a member of this thing we call the human race. We are all of the same common denominator, so donate, donate, donate. Just think if every person donated just 1% of their total expected Christmas givings, say the average family is spending 500$ (And I know that those new xbox packages are greater than that!), that would be just $5 donation, but multiplied by the approx 140million working adults, and you have 700million $$$! That is a lot of money to help feed, and gift, the homeless, and the poor.

Remember when you are spending that $600 on that special xbox 360 for your son or daughter, that there is a child out there who would be just as thrilled to receive a 10$ teddy bear from Walmart. Pick up a toy to drop in Toys For Tots. Pull out one of those donation slips at the grocery store register to donate to the local food pantry. Give, give, and give, and when you think you have given enough, give some more.

Thank you and have a great holiday celebration.