(December 15, 2008 at 10:18 am)CoxRox Wrote: When I think how fortunate I am to have my family, plenty of food, a roof over my head etc, I feel like I want to thank 'God' for all I have. I feel 'gratitude' that I need to express somehow.
NO!
Thank the scientists for their vaccines and technological advancements that led you to having a healthy family. Thank the political activists and honest politicians who ordered for a roof to be put over the head of every individual in the country,and the builders who did the work. Thank the farmers for making food, thank the transporters for taking it near where you are, thank the corporations for selling it to you, thank the scientists who worked on enhancing the products to a fine, store-front condition. Stop thanking a being you cannot prove for the things that millions of people have worked their lives away on over centuries to make civilisation what it is today. (even though I find alot of it to be a sham, con, cock-up and rigjob ). If you're feeling somewhat appreciative, aim your appreciation at the people who were responsible 
I meant all that nicely by the way, it wasn't meant to come of as insensitive or flamey.
