Thanksgiving; the very word conjures up images and memories! For some, it means a crowded table laden with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash and steaming vegetables followed by pumpkin pie and other delectable treats. For others the word evokes memories of trips to Grandma’s house, there to meet with aunts, uncles, cousins and more. For those who are now the grandparents, the word may be synonymous with homecoming; when the children and their children assemble for a wonderful day of family reunion and celebration. For all of these things, we may be very grateful indeed as we celebrate this warm and wonderful time of year.
Thanksgiving. The word has a wonderful structure, being made up of two words: thanks and giving. It is almost as if the two words have grown together, and been together so long that we hardly notice anymore. But isn’t that structure indicative of the way it should be? Shouldn’t thanks and giving naturally go together? Doesn’t giving somehow naturally grow out of being thankful?
Thanksgiving. What if there were no tables laden with food, no family visits, no squeals of delighted children greeting their cousins and playing together? It’s a different image isn’t it? Sad and lonely somehow.
This Thanksgiving, may we be truly thankful for all those blessings and memories we cherish, and may we also be giving, to those who do not have so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Friday, October 9, 2009
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Thanksgiving is truly a day for getting together with family - from the very oldest (91 years) to the very youngest (8 months) in our family. Until six years ago it was mainly adults with five younger adults. Our gathering was always a happy friendly catching up time with each other.
ReplyDeleteThis year it was still happy and friendly and there was lots of conversation as we caught up with what each one was doing, but what a difference it makes having five little people now - four of them very active. It is more fun, busier and much louder. We truly are blessed.
So glad you enjoyed your family Thanksgiving. Mine was also loud, with the exuberance of very active preschoolers, all the way up to Joan and I who are now the grandparent generation. (How did that happen?) I am thankful for each of them and love them dearly, but also thankful for the quiet when they go home!
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