On Thanksgiving we give thanks,
but to whom?
I have a lot to be thankful for. I live in a country where I can vote and say anything I want, where it’s possible to make money from a new idea and years of hard work. I love working and I love coming home.
We all say such things on Thanksgiving. I guess it’s nice to be reflective at least once a year. But what good is it, casting our thanks into the void?
To me there’s something missing. It seems like an exercise in self-satisfaction and not a genuine interest in giving thanks.
So this year, let’s give thanks to people. I’m thankful for having terrific parents. Parents who taught me to think for myself. To respect, but question. To not give up even when it seems impossible. To take pride in good work and always do the right thing, even if it’s hard, even if no one else is looking.
Thanks mom. Thanks dad.
So find someone to thank. Maybe it’s someone who has helped you more than they know. Maybe it’s someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Maybe it’s someone you love but you can’t remember when you said so.
Take the chance to make this day really count.
9 responses to “Really give thanks this time”
Ditto on the love of country, thanks for good people and gratitude for great parents!
Happy Thanksgiving
Nice post. This Thanksgiving I want to give thanks to my twin brother Anthony. He is an inspiration to me. His dedication, intelligence, and honesty make me want to be a better person, and I can’t wait to see him this week.
Jason, I really appreciate the encouragement to express thankfulness to people rather than just existentially contemplating it. Can I add an encouragement that goes back to the original Thanksgiving idea — that is to communally and verbally express thanks to God for his kindness to us his creation? I know it’s not politically correct to bring up God, but why not? A good majority of people believe in a creator.
So as I express thanks to my parents, my wife and my kids, I’ll also verbally express thanks to the maker of all that we enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving.
I echo Keith’s sentiment. I think Thanksgiving can certainly feel hollow unless we give thanks to God or Adonai or Allah…someone/something outside our system of self congratulations. I’m giving thanks to God and his son Jesus this year, and I stand beside my friends thanking Adonai and Allah as well.
Nice thought and nice post, Jason : )
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
nice blog , ty for all this informations
I’m not in the US so no holiday for me but Happy Thanksgiving to Jason and to all the visitors
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I should give more love to my children, bless their health.
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