Thanksgiving is for me a favorite holiday. As a holiday, it is still relatively pure. It has largely retained its original intent–gratitude. Many of us still remember the story of the Pilgrims and we talk about our blessings with an attitude of gratitude, recognizing God is the giver and sustainer of life. Not that there are not challenges. The celebration of our bounty leads many of us to eat too much. And football and early Christmas shopping threaten to redefine the holiday.
A quote from Wilbur Nesbit reflects an often overlooked beauty of the holiday: “Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home.” Thanksgiving is as much a family holiday as Christmas. Families eat together and celebrate a shared history of mixed blessings that somehow translates to an awareness that life is good even in the midst of difficulties.
Throughout history, the shared meal has meant love and acceptance, common hopes and mutual support. Writer and simple food guru Laurie Colwin says it well: “The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving: Even the simplest food is a gift.”
May the food you share on this day, whether elaborate or simple, be a reminder that we are in this life together. May you relish with gratitude the presence of friends and family, and those you love and care for. May you honor God’s goodness and bounty, and may we be humbly grateful!