The day dawns brisk. Temperatures across the country are finally getting into the range that screams fall. There are leaves falling from trees here in Paradise. Not in the colorful hues of the northeast. They are brown, crisp, and frankly an annoyance. All you leaf lovers can chide me for that. Be thankful you don't have my leaves.
What is Thanksgiving? For some a romanticized fable of community and contribution. A few years back, the news ridiculed those who noted that there are some who dislike Thanksgiving. There were stories then from USAToday and the Washington Post and others. There was seemingly blame for the misconception.
The Independent notes that not all Americans celebrate this holiday. They perceive it as a celebration of the conquest to the continent's then-existing inhabitants by the Europeans. Some have a "day of mourning" coincident with Thanksgiving, according to CNN. Let's agree that sentiments are not a subject of unanimous agreement. There are different perspectives on the prosperity and success that has evolved, developed, and thrived on this continent since 1492. There are feelings of oppression, criticisms, antipathy, anxiety, and anger.
But, this is a day for reflection. There is hope in today, from a variety of perspectives. Not universally, of course. Many of our best and brightest are in harm's way today. They are standing a post, manning a watch, or sitting stand-by. They are far from home, and the company and comfort that affords. They are much closer to the challenges and difficulties that plague the world and somehow seem to draw us in.
There are carrier groups in the Mediterranean. There are troops in Syria, Iraq, Poland, Germany, and a long list of other locations. They are in the east, the west, the north, and the south. They are the outer pickets, the front line, the tip of the spear. They find themselves this Thanksgiving in the way of harm. And they do it for you.
They are not alone, nor unique. There are thousands waking up today in firehouses across the country. More still will go to work today in other uniforms in an effort to assure the health, safety, and welfare of the millions that will travel for this holiday. Many more stand ready to assure you have water, sewage service, and a long line of benefits you are as likely as I to take for granted.
Others today will head to more mundane tasks. There will be a handful of retailers open. There are gas stations, restaurants here and there, and some pharmacists will be on duty for those in need. The country will not stop today, despite its notable slowing and our collective disassociation. Despite that, many people will be working away as you enjoy your annual repast.
Many of us will rise to lesser challenges. Will the turkey be moist? Did I put enough sage in the dressing? Are the potatoes lumpy? Has anyone seen the turkey carcass; where is the dog? There will be overeating, rambunctious youngsters, and untoward conversations on politics, religion, football, and more contentious subjects. "Is that pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon?" "She always adds too much salt."
There will be family, friends, and food. There will be ups, downs, and even tryptophan. No, you are not tired because of tryptophan. You are tired because you got up at 04:00 to worry about your perfect meal, and put that frozen bird in the oven. Then you ran in circles all morning, ate too much, and life caught up. Take a nap.
There is much to enjoy, lament, and forget in the annual Thanksgiving celebration. Too often we overlook the bottom line. Everyone has much for which to be thankful. A new day has dawned, and whether that means leaf-blowing or turkey-baking it also means promise and reflection.
Whether we are working today (at work or home), relaxing in front of an age-worn parade tradition, or watching football teams we care nothing about, we have much for which to be thankful.
Whether we have suffered recent loss, economic, personal, professional, we have much. Whether the world is aligned in the manner we would personally select, we have much. Whether the meal is perfect or flawed, the company is welcome or tedious, we have much. We best remember that. And today is a day for just that.
Whatever your proclivities, predispositions, or experiences, you have this opportunity to look at who and where you are. Today, you may be thankful and gracious. Or you may be bitter and angry. I say "bless you" either way. But if you have missed it, it is beyond likely that you have much for which to thankful.
Ponder a minute this day. Forget about the Ferrari you don't have, the ripped abs, the cash hoard, the bigger house (need I go on?). Forget about what you have missed, foregone, or forgotten. No one has it all, and in the end you have much.
Take time today to see that. Take time today to give thanks. In particular, give thanks and acknowledgment to those people in your life, in your circle, in your world. If you get a chance to thank some of those who spend their day making yours safe, secure, and happy, do it. If you do run out for some forgotten something, and find a store staffed, perhaps say a genuine "thank you?" Focus yourself this day on all that is good.
If you cannot find the good, I would suggest you are likely not being very honest with yourself. Sit a minute and look around. The streets are calm. The challenges are paused. There is commaraderie, collegiality, and community. If you cannot see it, that is disappointing. Sit a while longer and try a little harder. We all have much for which to be grateful.
I wish you a great day. Whether you spend it working, eating, travelling, arguing, or otherwise. I hope you will see through divisivness and envy, and find solace in how lucky you actually are. Just think, not everyone gets to read great material like this. I am grateful for my readers. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
