It feels like Thanksgiving often gets treated as the “forgotten holiday”, just a quick speed bump on the fast track to Christmas. I’ve always felt that this week deserves more than just a passing glance. It is the one time of year specifically carved out not for getting, but for appreciating. It’s a quiet season that asks us to just sit still and look at what we already have.
It’s important to understand that Thanksgiving became a national holiday after being established by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. He didn’t ask for a day of thanks during a time of peace; he asked for it in the middle of the Civil War. He saw the need for unity and perspective even when things were falling apart. Times are tumultuous now, but if they could find reasons to be grateful then, we certainly have no excuse today. We are incredibly fortunate to live in this country, and we have been given more opportunity and abundance than almost anyone else on Earth.
As we head toward Thursday, and if you find yourself reflecting on the year, and looking for something to strive for in the future, try this: Always try to live your life in a way where others are thankful you are here. That is the standard I want to hold myself to and become better at.
I hope all my friends have a wonderful week, and that you find plenty of moments to pause and appreciate the people sitting around your table.
