Giving Thanks……
It seems like Thanksgiving did not creep up on us like it has in years past; but rather, came speeding around the corner like a runaway train. So now it is here, which means that Christmas is right around the corner. For my family it is just another week, no travel plans, no family gatherings, no time away from work. My boys are elated to have the week off from school and get some quality time with Dad; although, I am sure by Wednesday, the words, I am bored will be pouring from their mouths. My lack of enthusiasm for Thanksgiving was not instilled by my parents; in fact, just the opposite. My childhood memories of the holiday are filled with my Mom cooking all day and cleaning into the night, stuffing my face until I would almost throw up, and my Dad lounging in front of the T.V., watching football. Now I am grown and my warm sentiment on the holiday is pretty much gone. I have to work on Wednesday and Friday, so no late night cleaning or early morning cooking for me. I am a vegetarian, so turkey is not on my holiday menu. I HATE football, at least the American kind, watching it reminds me of why we are a country filled with overweight and undereducated people. Plus, anyone who knows me knows that I can not sit still for 5 minutes, much less a whole football game. Yes, we are pretty boring in my house. My whole family is pretty disgusted at the thought of stuffing our faces with sticks of butter.
What I do love about Thanksgiving is what it stands for, no not turkey, not football, not even pumpkin pie. It is about time together as a family. It is about turning off the T.V., sitting at a table together, and having a meaningful conversation with your loved ones. It is about taking the time to tell those special people in your life how much you care for them, and if they live far away, how much you miss them. It is about slowing down and getting caught in the moment, even if that moment is cooking all day, drying dishes with your Mom, or lounging in front of the T.V., too stuffed to move. I know my life is crazy, I never sit still, I am up at the crack of dawn, and my days are filled with to do lists from the time I wake up until the time my head hits the pillow.
This year I know that there are many Americans that are struggling with what to be thankful for. They are out of work; they have lost their jobs, their houses, and their purpose in life. They have sons and daughters overseas putting their lives on the line. They are terrified every time the phone rings. For many Americans, there will be an empty seat at the table this year, left vacant by a loved one that passed away. They are struggling to just put food on the table, much less worrying about a Thanksgiving feast. They are staying awake at night wondering how they can tell their kids that this year; there will be no Santa Claus. This is the state of our wonderful nation. It seems a little selfish for me to stuff my face, when there are so many people going hungry. This year, more then any year prior, I feel that I have so much to be thankful for: a healthy body, a home that is almost paid for, a steady paycheck, food on the table, a wonderful family, and yes, Santa will be coming to our house this year. As you sit down with your family this Thursday, remember to be thankful for all that you have; especially, that which can not be measured in dollars, peace of mind, health, love, time with loved ones, and happiness, and remember to think about those that are not as fortunate. It is a wonderful country that we live in and that is something we should all be thankful for.