Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving dinner. (internet image

 Thanksgiving may be the perfect holiday for our country and world.  It is, or should be, a day all of us can celebrate.

 

 Helping others is an excellent way to mark the occasion.  While our day may center around a table filled with food and acknowledging abundant blessings, it is fitting to think about, and help, people in need.

 

 Add the legendary story of the first thanksgiving,which told the story of the Wampanoag and Pilgrims and their initial amicable exchange which was critical to the Pilgrims survival.  Within a generation the two nations were at war and the native people lost their land and independence. 

 

Noting differences doesn't take from the original camaraderie.  It demonstrates the human condition, where jealousy, distrust, and greed can overrun the best of intentions.  It's a tale as old as time.

 

Knowing how a story ends isn't reason to throw in the towel.  Fall down, get up, try again.  Rinse and repeat until getting up is a habit.  The family around the table may not get along all the time but remain committed to trying and making every effort to repair and rebuild relationships.

 

Some of us have family traditions with thanksgiving.  Maybe it's going around the table to share for what thing people are most thankful.  In some families, the tradition begins by watching the parade then clearing out so the fans can watch football when the first game starts.  It might be a specific item on the menu that pays tribute to a member of the family no longer at the table.  Embrace traditions or remember them.

 

I saw this large Gobbler two days ago. 11/21/23

Give time, give money, give from your heart.  The act of giving is important to each of us whether it's reaching out to help a friend or a stranger; sometimes it's being willing to accept a gift.  It can be tough to agree whether a hand or encouraging word is what we need most.

 

I couldn't believe my eyes when I headed out the door Tuesday afternoon.  Grazing on the lawn was a large turkey.  My first thought was, "does he know what day it is?"

Victory on the holiday for this bird is living in the city with few predators and abundant food.  If we impose human qualities on a turkey, it's easy to believe Tom might be the most thankful creature on Oakwood's campus today.

 

In difficult times we might lose those qualities and things for which we're thankful.  When the clouds clear and the sun shines again, we'll see they were with us all along.  Be thankful for the people in our lives and the blessings God gives us.

 

Notice life around you; pay attention to the wonder.  I'm thankful for two outstanding co-workers who work well together and helped me in countless ways since my job changed in May.  I appreciate what they bring to our team.

 

Go from this day carrying pieces of Thanksgiving with you.  It doesn't need to be just 24 hours of gratitude and looking out for others; it can be a larger part of our lives as we strive to treat others like we want to be treated and offer our hand to help people up and give them a pat on the back.

 

That's Thanksgiving spirit!