Why am I hopeful and thankful? I am hopeful because there is a growing number of people of goodwill (both religious and non-religious) who continue to speak across traditions and worldviews in respectful ways. I am thankful that some time ago fellow blogger Eboo Patel, an American Muslim, wrote an article entitled "Embracing Evangelicals." I am thankful that Muslims, Jews, Christians, and others are writing declarations like "A Common Word." I am thankful that an increasing number of families around the world refuse to hate based on faith, age, gender, race, etc., I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to express my faith in Jesus Christ and others are free to express their faith (we still need to work on this in healthier ways).

The classic Dickens' work, "A Tale of Two Cities", sums up the reality of every generation, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity..." This is true of the time in which we live there is much to be thankful for but there is much work still to be done. So our thanksgiving and gratitude is not based on unrealistic view of the world but rather a realistic view of the world that says evil exists but it is not the last word. I am thankful for hope that says we must continue to live, laugh, love, and work to transform our world. As a follower of Christ and a lover of my fellow human beings I am thankful that I can do my part (however small) to love my family, friends, and enemies.