Appreciating what we have

Coming together to give thanks.

by Mary Frances Burleson   It is that special time of year again ... the time when we think about our blessings and families and give thanks for all that we have.

The months since Sept. 11, 2001, have been very painful. Our country has come together as never before. The memorials, the recounting of the heroic efforts on September 11, heartfelt prayers and concerns of this nation for the families of the victims and for each other have been reminders of the greatness of the United States.

In Dallas there is a very special place called Thanks-Giving Square. The concept for this place is for interfaith prayer–a place where thanksgiving and gratitude become a universal language. It was created 30 years ago by a group of city leaders on some four acres of peaceful gardens and fountains with a lovely spiral Philip Jonsson chapel, where people of all faiths come together for dialogue and understanding and where people can visit and feel closer to the goodness of our universe.

This September 11, leaders of major religions met together and, though connected to God in diverse ways, prayed together. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Bahá’ís were there as were members of the main groups of the Christian faith: Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox.

The REALTOR® family certainly came together last fall by collecting money for the victims’ families to help with mortgage and rental payments–how appropriate in light of our belief in the sanctity of the home. We as REALTORS® give special thanks for the opportunity of living here and helping people achieve homeownership ... thereby helping to preserve the sanctity and security of the family.

We realize even more so at this time that real estate is a solid basis of our nation’s economy. Aren’t we proud that we are participating in helping families while at the same time increasing the economic foundation?

We are also reminded that the United States has a wonderfully diverse population, and that we are living at peace with people of many faiths and cultures and backgrounds in a country founded on basic freedoms. Not only is this diversity reflected in the clients we serve, but among the professionals in the real estate business. It makes me proud to be in this great profession that offers so many opportunities.

When we as REALTORS® help people achieve homeownership, we have the double satisfaction of making people happy while we make a living. Often, we are also fostering understanding among people with diverse backgrounds as well. God bless America!

Special thanks to Ebby Halliday for sharing her love of Thanks-Giving Square. Happy days!

Photo by Jim Reisch.

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