“Thanksgiving: Embracing Gratitude, Kindness, and Community”

When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a time of gathering with family and friends, sharing a bountiful meal, and expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives. For me and my family, Thanksgiving always meant a trip to my Aunt Joanne’s home. She, along with my Uncle Pete and my five cousins, would orchestrate a grand feast. The menu was a culinary extravaganza: turkey, ham, pork, three kinds of potatoes, ten varieties of vegetables, gravies, breads, jellies, and five different kinds of desserts. The list seemed endless. In those days, much to my later chagrin, the women did the work while the men sat around the TV, watching football and drinking Stroh’s beer. I didn’t know enough to be irritated by that until later in life. And there were always a few “odd people out” at the table too—neighbors, a co-worker or two, and occasionally, a future spouse.

Thanksgiving was a time when we all had our parts to play in this drama of life and celebration. It was a time for giving thanks for what we had and, sometimes, remembering those who had much less. Growing up in Detroit, I had many opportunities to go downtown and volunteer to help feed those in need. These experiences taught me the true spirit of Thanksgiving: gratitude, generosity, and community.

Thanksgiving as we know it today has its roots in the early 17th century. The first Thanksgiving is often traced back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event is considered one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. The Pilgrims, who had endured a harsh winter and lost many of their group, were grateful for the successful harvest and the help they received from the Native Americans.

However, the concept of giving thanks and celebrating the harvest is not unique to the Pilgrims. Many cultures around the world have held similar celebrations for centuries. For example, the ancient Greeks held a festival called Thesmophoria to honor Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Similarly, the Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time to give thanks for the harvest and the harmony of family.

Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; it’s a time for reflection and gratitude. It’s an opportunity to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives, both big and small. In our world going helter-skelter, it’s easy to take things for granted. Thanksgiving can remind us to slow down and be thankful for the people and experiences that enrich our lives, if we let it.

For many families, Thanksgiving is a time to come together and strengthen bonds. It’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones, share stories, and create lasting memories. The act of gathering around the table, sharing a meal, and expressing gratitude can foster a sense of belonging and community.

Thanksgiving is also a time to think about those who are less fortunate. Volunteering and giving back to the community are important aspects of the holiday. Whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter, donating to a food bank, or simply reaching out to someone in need, there are many ways to make a positive impact.

Growing up, I had the opportunity to volunteer in Detroit, helping to feed those who had so much less. These experiences were eye-opening and humbling. They taught me the importance of empathy and compassion. Volunteering not only helps those in need but also enriches our own lives by fostering a sense of purpose and connection. (“Proverbs 11:17”)

Hopefully after thanksgiving is over, we can look ahead to what’s next. It would be cool if we could carry the spirit of Thanksgiving with us throughout the year. Gratitude and kindness should not be limited to a single day, right? By embracing these values of gratitude in our daily lives, we can create a more compassionate and connected world.

I was thinking of a few ways to embed this practice in our lives every day.

Practicing mindful gratitude! You can do that by taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Sort of like an examine of conscience, this simple practice can shift your perspective and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Perform random acts of kindness! Small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Whether it’s holding the door for someone, offering a compliment, or helping a neighbor. I remember a time when in the grocery line at Kroger’s I saw this old man counting out change to pay for his food, which was meager, and he did not have enough, the woman behind him stepped in and paid for the whole bill, smiled, hugged the man and stepped back into line. I teared up.

Volunteering regularly takes effort and is not easy. Find a cause that resonates with you and commit to volunteering when you can. Whether it’s at a local shelter, school, or community center, your time and effort can make a difference.

By fostering meaningful connections, you can nurture your relationships with family and friends. Reach out to loved ones, listen actively, and show appreciation for their presence in your life. I have at times been estranged from a family member here and there and have gently reached out to reconnect with some success. Try it.

By being kind to yourself which is extending empathy and compassion to you. Practicing self-care and being gentle with you will get you through those challenging times.

Thanksgiving is a reminder of the power of gratitude and the importance of community. As we gather with loved ones and reflect on our blessings, let’s also commit to spreading kindness and compassion in our everyday lives. By doing so, we can create a more loving and connected world for ourselves and future generations.