Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. I’m sure many of your mouths are already watering when you envision the succulent turkey and dressing. Perhaps, you are looking forward to the Macy’s parade or seeing family members. No doubt, this holiday is a favorite for many. Thanksgiving provides us with numerous joys, but also offers insight into how we can live more fully. If we dissect the title “Thanksgiving,” we are left with two important words “thanks” and “giving.” Both of these words illuminate the significance of relationships and community in our lives.

 

From a small age, I can remember my mother and father repeatedly drilling into my head, “Say thank you!” I am incredibly appreciative for this since I now incorporate the respectful phrase into my day to day life. Often, adults lose this expression of thanks, possibly related to the individualistic, self-absorbed nature of our society. Thanksgiving is a reminder that we should be thankful for a variety of blessings and struggles. Perhaps, we are thankful for health, prosperity, love, resilience, new beginnings, peaceful endings, personal growth, or learning from adversity. No matter the origins of our thanks, it is vital during this holiday season to pause and say “thanks” to ourselves, others who have made a difference, and our spiritual guiders. Saying thanks has a cathartic effect and allows us to look beyond our egotistical analysis into a larger, systemic picture of life.

 

Giving

Thanks are not complete unless we also integrate giving. Albert Einstein once said, “It is every man’s (or woman’s) obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he (or she) takes out of it.” I believe Einstein was not only referring to tangible giving, but also to emotional and allegiant giving. I am as guilty as many for taking things in life for granted. No time is conceivably better to think what we can give back than Thanksgiving. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you giving everything you can to your relationships, work, and commitments? Are you giving of yourself to friends, enemies, and strangers? Are you thinking about the larger implications of your actions? What do you want to be remembered for when you leave this Earth? When we use this broader perspective of giving, suddenly the necessity of giving thanks becomes more apparent in our lives.

 

It is my hope that in the upcoming month, you enjoy a great meal with family and friends, but also take time to say thank you for the part they play in your life. Think how you can repay these influential people…not through money or gifts, but through dedication, love, and promise. In the end, this will enhance your relationship while gradually shifting the world to a place of gratitude and generosity. Hope you have a wonderful holiday full of thanks and giving!

 

Kenny