Let’s really read the word: Thanksgiving.
Some words and phrases I have said so many times that they really have lost their actual meaning. You know, you have been saying newspaper for years. But then you realize it is called a newspaper because it is news that is on paper!
Or inside and outside. You are inside because you are in something, and outside because you are no longer in that something. Or my favourite, birthday. Used so freely. “It’s my birthday.” Yes, it is, because your birthday is that the day that your mother gave birth to you.
However, there is a holiday coming up that I think has lost it’s meaning. We often associate this holiday with Turkey and having family over for dinner. Thanksgiving. Thanks to be given.
Have you really thought about thanksgiving. Think about the things you are grateful for. House, car, family, the pets, and food. All good, but think deeper.
What are you holding this paper with? Your fingers? If you have ever broken your fingers you know how often you use them. That’s something to be thankful for. Your feet, your legs, your arms. Your beating heart. Your lungs. Even if your health is not stellar, you are still living on this little planet called Earth.
Think of the Sun that brightens and warms our days. Think of the fireplace and how so many advances have come from the creation of fire. Think of all the “things” you may have in your life. Your very own home phone, and maybe even a cell phone. There are places in the world where the street has to share one line. Fresh running water to drink and wash yourself. Electricity. There are so many things to be thankful for.
Your relationships. Your spouse. Your children. Your parents. Your friends. Aunts, uncles, neices, nephews, cousins, and the list can go on of relationships. Some may not be what we expected, some may have turned sour, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be grateful for what once was or may be.
I encourage you this Thanksgiving to sit down and write a list of all the things you are grateful for. Write until you have exhausted all thoughts. Post this list in your room, your bathroom, or the kitchen; somewhere you will see it. This list can brighten your day when it seems like everything has gone wrong.
Remember this Thanksgiving to give thanks to all those around you, and to everything. You do have a lot to be grateful for this season.
