Much like my views on Earth Day, I think Thanksgiving is a day not to be reserved just for a cool fall day in November that is more about football and food than actually being thankful in earnest. I mean, the whole Pilgrim/Native American feast aside, I think we have a lot to be thankful for every single day.
Ever since Bird could talk we’ve had a ritual at the dinner table. We hold hands and say one thing from the day that we are each thankful for. The only rule is that we can’t say we’re thankful for things. We might be thankful for something as simple as going to the library or something as poignant as hearing good news from friends battling breast cancer (yes, friends). This tradition has become a part of our family culture. Throughout the day we all think about what we’ll bring to the table that night.
Sometimes, considering dinner time is the witching hour and the boys are hungry, they struggle with exactly what to be thankful for. They slump their shoulders and groan and pick at their food and slouch in their seats. I try to remember they are only 5 and 7 and haven’t seen the world through my same lens. But still, I seethe a bit inside. I want to scream, “Don’t you know how lucky you are?! Don’t you realize how many things you have to be thankful for?! Do you have any idea how so many other kids don’t get to live the way you do?!” I want to give my sons some perspective on the good grace that protects our lives. I want them to appreciate what we have, the simple and the grand. I want them to be gracious and generous and benevolent. I want them to care. To simply care.
And in time, I know they will. For now, we’ll stick with our gentle nudges at the table and remind them that we do indeed have an awful lot to be thankful for. And we’ll continue to show them ways we can help. And care.
I dedicate today’s post to all who are hungry and hurting. I dedicate this post to people like Hugh and Jimmy and Jen who work tirelessly to help and hold those less fortunate in our community. I dedicate this post to those people whose plates are empty this Thanksgiving while mine is overflowing.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Ilina!
We met our friends yesterday for lunch. We knew they would have turkey and the fixings all weekend at the local shelters. We decided to feed them lasagna. Armed with 72 portions weighing more then 36+lbs we had a beautiful lunch. One of our volunteers had baked pound cake. It was still warm as we handed it out by the slice.
More than one told us how thankful they were for the beauty of the day and the life in their bodies. Each moment I am with my homeless friends I am humbled by the depth of beauty in each one of them.
As we were cleaning one of our regulars came and spoke with my wife. As he left he reached out and gave her a huge hug and said simply, “Have a happy Thanksgiving”. She still tears up as she tells others.
One of our regulars Timothy arrived late and had not eaten. I took him to a cafe and bought his lunch to assure you would have one good meal. He has been on the streets of Durham for 9mths. Fresh from prison he came to Roxboro to be with family and avoid his old ways in Florida. They quickly brought him to Durham and turned him out on the streets. ABANDONED by those who should love you most.
Over this holiday:
Love those fiercely that love you.
Over look quickly offenses.
Forgive as fast as light travels.
Give every hug and kiss with passion.
Laugh deeply with adandon.