Giving Thanks

according to Merriam-Webster

Thanksgiving is

defined as the act of giving thanks. a prayer expressing gratitude. a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness.

and

Thanksgiving Day is

defined as a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness.  the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the United States.

i found it odd that there is no mention of a big feast in the definition of Thanksgiving Day.  because that is what we do right? 

we cook a large 'special' meal just for that day.  usually taking the whole day to prepare the meal.  the meal is then shared with family & friends.  where we over eat, nap & watch football.  some people even believe that the food & day will be better if their house is in perfect order.  my mother being one of them.  ughhhhh

 

digging a little deeper.  Wikipedia (i said a little deeper) says that 'Thanksgiving in North America had originated from a mix of European and Native traditions."  both of these groups celebrated the end of a good harvest season.  overtime this evolved into Thanksgiving as we now know it.

for myself, i enjoy the meal & the time spent with family & friends.  but, i also think that it is important to celebrate, to give thanks, to be grateful for our own harvest of the past year.  the good things in our lives over the past 365 days.

so, on this day i reflect on my own harvest of this past year.  the birth of my niece.  the bond with my friends & the support they have given me.  my health.  the experiences i have had.  the lessons i have learned. 

for all of these things i am grateful for & today i give thanks for them because without them i would not be me.

so as you enjoy your meal with your family & friends pause to reflect on your own personal harvest of this past year.  be thankful for what this past year has brought you & be grateful for Someone special in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving