A Strong Antidote For Disappointment – Thanksgiving

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”  ― Epicurus

Thanksgiving served as our extended maternal family’s reunion gathering as a child.  We usually went to the farm where all the traditional comfort food converged from a eight county area onto one table.  If there were strained family relationships they were set aside for the day.

This breaking of bread among family served us well.  I only remember the laughter, the stories (that got bigger each year) and the fellowship.  It was expressed gratitude that we had family.  I know it was far from perfect, but even in that, I learned gratitude in the face of the imperfect.  I learned that one does not depend on the other.

Choosing Gratitude And Thanksgiving

This year, with a pandemic impacting every aspect of life, our extended family gathering will not happen.  We will have our individual family unit celebrations and, although we have not planned anything, there may be some virtual drop ins via messenger, zoom or other technology.

This is far from satisfying, but necessary for the times.  Yet, we have much much to be thankful for. I have spent the month cultivating gratitude.  It just seemed to be right, especially this year.

Choosing to look at what I have rather than what I do not goes much deeper than just a healthy mental attitude.  Gratitude is a force.  It has life, but must be intentionally nurtured.

Here is this year’s list:

• For the air I breath and breath in my lungs
• access to food and other daily necessities delivered to my door by diligent workers.
• hot and cold running water
• several modes of reliable transportation which allows curbside pickup.
• heat, gas and electricity
• a warm, clean bed with a comfy new mattress
• several cats that entertain, keep us company and cuddle just when we need it
• a washer and dryer and clean clothes
• for a loving husband of almost 43 years who came through a scary back surgery in the midst of this mess!
• for a loving church family and friends in several languages home and around the globe
• hopes, dreams and plans that my Lord superintends on my behalf, even in the strangest of times.

Now, it’s your turn.  In the comments put one (or more) things for which Thanksgiving can be offered.   Let’s see how far this can go!