The Chandlers say grace prior to their 1978 Thanksgiving meal.
Today is Black Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — but despite the mad rush on shopping and advertising, I’m not ready to move on to Christmas just yet.
I posted something silly yesterday, but not today. This is something hopeful. But it’s also a humbling wake-up call. I’m writing this to me as much as to you. Before I continue, let me introduce you to the Chandlers. (It’s five minutes long. You’ve got time.)
So, as you’re out at the mall today (you may have already been), fighting through crowds, grumbling about not getting the latest i-Something, or about the Christmas tree being too expensive, or about the lines being too long, I want you to consider the Chandlers.
When you’re complaining about your salary, or your bonus, or your boss, I want you to consider the Chandlers.
When you’re mad that the home-owners association won’t let you paint a house number on your curb, or that you drove all the way to the front of that long line of traffic, but that guy in the Hummer wouldn’t let you in, I want you to consider the Chandlers.
When you’re indignant that the government hasn’t provided enough opportunities for you, or made your life smoother, or hooked you up with a free cellphone, I want you to consider the Chandlers.
When you’re angry at God and don’t think he’s blessed you quite enough, I want you to consider the Chandlers.
Full of wonder – thank you for sharing this reminder, Mark. Did you know any of the Chandlers, personally? Did they live in your area?
No, not at all, Lynette. I found this video while doing some research on Charles Kuralt for a writing presentation. I read an interview with him where he admitted that both he and his cameraman were weeping along with the Chandlers during the prayer. It’s hard for me to even write this now. Can you imagine the country we would have were it populated with Chandlers??
I did a little searching today and found this follow-up on the Chandler family from 2009. Wow. Still inspiring. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500617_162-5187096.html