Thanksgiving 2021

A Day of Quiet Reflection

There are three things happening today, Thursday, 25 November, at noon.

The National Dog Show.
The National Day of Mourning at Cole’s Hill.
Our church service.

It is impossible to attend all three at the same time. But it is not impossible to have all three things be woven into our daily lives.

Allying with Indigenous People is rightly incorporated into daily life. Expressing gratitude for the blessings we have is rightly incorporated into daily life. Enjoying our hobbies (dogs or other hobbies) is rightly incorporated into daily life. Daily life should be a rich and meaningful experience!

The fourth Thursday of November is a day when several good things - family and gratitude, truth and dignity, joy and play - are given extra attention. For me, this serves as useful reminder of - and as an impetus to continue - observing all of these good things every day. They are not mutually exclusive. They are mutually beneficial! Truth and dignity bring profound meaning to the life of a nuclear family and to the human family. Gratitude and joy and play enhance individual and family and community life. All of these things will be present in our family’s plans for today.

And so will rest.

Today we need rest most of all. No turkey and trimmings for us this year. No special table settings. No large gatherings. No seasonal attire. We chose a menu that requires almost no effort. We are setting our table with our every-day placemats and napkins. Our family is scattered, staying safe and pursuing individual interests. We are wearing sweats and jammies all day long. We are napping. We are reading. We are walking.

It is wonderful. It is quiet. It is restful. I am grateful.