A Thanksgiving Time of Year

It’s Thanksgiving. To be candid, it’s truly my favorite holiday. Some of my fondest physical, emotional, familial memories are sitting around my parent’s table and my grandparent’s table (mom’s and dad’s parents) for the Thanksgiving season. Unlike Christmas or birthdays, there are no gifts associated with Thanksgiving. Well, at least not physical ones. The rewards that are present along with the turkey and dressing, and even more powerful than anything wrapped, you can NOT hold in your hand.

The principle of Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the great fortune in one’s life. It’s a uniquely American holiday. And yet, I wonder if it’s losing its meaning in popular culture. I had to remind my 8-year-old son as he was looking ahead at the football schedule that the reason we have two days off from work and school is not to watch more football but to be appreciative of our blessings. To realize how fortunate we are. To think about how we can help others because of our physical, emotional, familial, and health blessings.

While there’s no question that I will spend some time with my son watching a little football, I hope that I’m not so overrun with pigskin desires that I don’t openly and deeply consider how fortunate I am. I hope I can share that with my children. I hope you can enjoy the great blessings of your life. And I hope that you can share just a little bit of yourself with others in celebration of gratitude at Thanksgiving.