As I think about the celebrations to come on this gray Thanksgiving morning, I am first struck with the grace and gratitude I feel for so many loving people, welcoming places, and good endeavor in my life. I am surrounded by people who love a lot and give a lot. Their good investment of time, energy, and emotion into the work they do, lives they lead, and those they love inspire me daily. These good people at work, at home, in the neighborhood and community exemplify the kind of world I believe in--a world where people work to elevate lives for one another in ways that matter. I honor these people's good lives and hope to follow their example in my own life.
Today I'll be surrounded by people living all kinds of lives. There will be busy moms and dads, loving grandparents, married and single folk, people young and old, and those who spend their free time in a large variety of ways. The people around me all have much to celebrate, problems to solve, and the energy to enjoy the celebrations and weather the problems too.
The children will bring the joy while the eldest members of the family will bring good wisdom for all of us. We will miss family members who have passed and think about Thanksgivings past. Everyone will bring something to share for the festive meal and there may be time for games perhaps football or board games like Scrabble.
The long drive to our destination will likely be filled with banter, sleep, music, and NPR news. Hopefully we won't hit too much traffic, and unlike too many Americans, it looks like, while it may rain, we'll miss the snow that many are facing throughout the country.
Thanksgiving in the modern sense is a wonderful time to gather with those you love to be grateful together for life's gifts and opportunities. As far as old-time Thanksgivings, I like the movement that seems to be gaining support to update our traditions with greater respect to Native people's history, culture, needs, and lifestyle old and new. I have great respect and honor for America's first people and believe that we cannot forget their sacrifices, torment, and oppression that mark our history in sad and troubling ways. We must also honor their wonderful contributions and mimic those events and traditions in our own lives.
Each holiday I write about the current state of affairs in my life. I enjoy this time to reflect on life's events at these holiday milestones. I wish all who read this post a graceful Thanksgiving holiday with those you love.
Today I'll be surrounded by people living all kinds of lives. There will be busy moms and dads, loving grandparents, married and single folk, people young and old, and those who spend their free time in a large variety of ways. The people around me all have much to celebrate, problems to solve, and the energy to enjoy the celebrations and weather the problems too.
The children will bring the joy while the eldest members of the family will bring good wisdom for all of us. We will miss family members who have passed and think about Thanksgivings past. Everyone will bring something to share for the festive meal and there may be time for games perhaps football or board games like Scrabble.
The long drive to our destination will likely be filled with banter, sleep, music, and NPR news. Hopefully we won't hit too much traffic, and unlike too many Americans, it looks like, while it may rain, we'll miss the snow that many are facing throughout the country.
Thanksgiving in the modern sense is a wonderful time to gather with those you love to be grateful together for life's gifts and opportunities. As far as old-time Thanksgivings, I like the movement that seems to be gaining support to update our traditions with greater respect to Native people's history, culture, needs, and lifestyle old and new. I have great respect and honor for America's first people and believe that we cannot forget their sacrifices, torment, and oppression that mark our history in sad and troubling ways. We must also honor their wonderful contributions and mimic those events and traditions in our own lives.
Each holiday I write about the current state of affairs in my life. I enjoy this time to reflect on life's events at these holiday milestones. I wish all who read this post a graceful Thanksgiving holiday with those you love.