The holidays are upon us once again, a time for Ho Ho Hos and Seasons Greetings, but lets not get ahead of ourselves as too many department stores do, let us open the season with gratitude. It is no coincidence that before we give and receive gifts we must first show thanks for what we have, to count our blessings.
Although the pilgrims held a banquet to give thanks (a topic under much debate) the Native Americans of the time were giving thanks on a daily basis, showing gratitude for what nature had provided for them. In modern times, we commemmorate this particular day to eat good food and gather family around us to glut and watch fooball. Oh how the season has evolved. 600 plus years ago people knew how to do it, Pilgrims and Natives knew how to give thanks and show gratitude, a skill that has evolved into 'Thank God' being used as a mundane remark with no power behind it. So here are a few tips on how to truly give thanks for everything the past year has provided:
1. Look around you, yes right now. What is in your field of vision that wasn't there last year? Look at that object or person, how has that item changed you for the better? How has it helped you grow as a person. Thank your God that you have it.
2. Look at all the photos you took over the past year, Facebook Memories, Instagram, or Tumblr, choose your medium. Look at your images, what were you feeling at the time those photos were taken? Do you feel better or not so much? Either way, give thanks for the opportunity to grow through any life lesson along the way. Thank your God for what you have learned.
3. Look at the people who came into your life this past year, some you've known a while and have just resurfaced, others are new to your community. Whether they came as a blessing or not, they have served a purpose in your life good or ill, it is these people that have impacted your life in some way and caused a subtle shift you are probably unaware of. Thank your God for who you have met.
4. Look at what you have lost this past year. yes even things that have gone away, in some way have changed you or your way of seeing things in this life. Every event has its purpose even the loss of those we love, it is by these events that we learn our strength to carry on, and move away with a life lesson. Thank your God for your lesson.
In days of yore, it was easier, the world consisted of a few hundred acres and a small cabin to live in. These days the world is connected by www. yet we seem so far away from one another, as though we are still in our own cabins. Imagine how a small community giving thanks for their meager living conditions has created a tradition that lasted throughout the ages. Now imagine what we can do with all the technology at our hands, giving blessings to others across the globe on a single day. Give thanks to those who feel they have nothing to be thankful for, and they will be thankful for you.
Happy Thanksgiving every one. And thank every one of you for being a part of my life.