I have always liked the various forms of the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving films and strips. They are cluttered, inconsistent, fun, filled with pathos at times, and perhaps as real an example of Thanksgiving as you can find. Each of the characters have a distinctive role - and somehow the real meaning of Thanksgiving comes across.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is the only major holiday where I am not completely exhausted from the schedule and intensity of our liturgies. So, I do find Thankgiving relaxing - and, in truth, a time to have time to feel gratitude. I have been blessed with participating with the same family for over 40 years. One key member has gone home recently to God - so we pray for him - and celebrate his life and thank God with gratitude for his time with us.
My general thought is simple - - -- GRATITUDE. I know that I often do not think about gratitude because the relentless nature of work and schedules and commitments and requests just is overwhelming. But, this is a problem - because if we do not have gratitude, then we are missing out on one of the essential characteristics of our belief in God.
I'm going to find time, more precisely, I will find time on Thanksgiving Day to just ruminate and think with gratitude about all the people who have been good to us, the people whose example has inspired me, and the circumstances placed in my life that have been a sign of God's love. It is a huge list - and I'm going to make sure that, on Thanksgiving, I am thoroughly thankful.
It is a shame when I don't show gratitude to God. What the heck am I doing? It is really important? Do you have the same problem? I think many people do. We mean to thank God - but somehow it just slips by. Ain't good. Easily fixed. Gonna do it. Join me if you have done the same thing.
AND - Happy Tbanksgiving - and thank God for family and incredibly wonderful friends and even strangers. I am very blessed. I hope and know that you are too!