During this time of the year, we get bombarded with messages about Thanksgiving. From the food to the travel to recipes to parades, it seems that, at least for a week or two, everyone is giving thanks. I like to ask people what they are doing on Thanksgiving Day, and what they eat that is different or special. When I met my wife’s family years ago, I was literally thrown for a loop when I found out that they had pasta as part of the dinner. What did I know? I had only eaten what I considered to be the basics all my life, and my lack of diverse experiences kept me ignorant of what I have come to believe is the true beauty of this time of year. At a time when diversity is being diminished and rejected, Thanksgiving is a shining example of just how amazing difference is.
Many of my African American friends have Mac and Cheese – I know a number of people from the Caribbean who cook Jerk Turkey. Growing up with the image of Native Americans and Pilgrims bringing food to the table should have prepared me for the many different ways we can be thankful; it should be a reminder to all of us that difference is beautiful. The Pennsylvania Dutch mix their potatoes with their stuffing – people from all over the country mix in things like sausage, oysters, and cornbread. From the different vegetables to the styles of cooking the bird, we celebrate this holiday in similar and very different ways. All to say thanks.
And whether you spend the day watching football or napping (most of us do both) or catching up, make sure you give thanks. Thanks for each other – thanks for this country – thanks for diversity – thanks for what we hold in common. Go ahead and thank God in whatever name you use, or don’t mention a deity at all; just take a moment or two to be thankful. And whether your dinner table has 4 people or 24, it doesn’t matter – giving thanks isn’t a contest. I am thankful for you, and I hope you will find the time to let the people around your table know that you are thankful for them. It could be the start of something great…
Prayer – Thank You God, for new beginnings and old friendships. May all of us live in gratitude. Amen.
Today’s art is Joseph Delaney’s Macy’s Parade, 1974-1984.