Thankfulness: The Whole Point

As a kid, I certainly remember hearing and telling and acting out “the story of the first Thanksgiving.” As a teaching and learning tool, I love the ideas of coming together with neighbors, learning about different people and communities, practicing generosity, the power of hosting and being hosted, how dining experiences solidify relationships. Whether or not stories are true, or ever happened, isn’t the point – not regarding “the first Thanksgiving” or genealogy or ancient texts. Rather, the transmission of these stories, the deep-seated lore, the connections and cultures that have been influenced by them are the real meat of their existence.

Back to childhood – and the conversations that took place around the Thanksgiving table – well, THANKS is right there in the name! Mostly ubiquitous at every Thanksgiving table I’ve sat around in my life, those gathered express gratitude for a myriad of things: each other, shelter and sustenance and safety, creativity and culture, LIFE. This gratitude, though, isn’t reserved to Thanksgiving, and lately I’ve been thinking about how my personal reflections and expressions of gratitude have carried me through so many things in my life. These were partially taught by example around the Thanksgiving tables of my family, friends, and community. Even on the most difficult days, I always encounter someone or something that buoys me – and thankfully, many days are FILLED with reasons for massive gratitude.

This year, I’m thankful for a deeper look into the support structures around me, and a realignment with who I am now, looking forward to the future. I never stop being thankful for my friends, my safety and health, my zest for life and curiosity for culture, and for living in a place full of diverse people who bring alive every corner and every day, opening each of us here to learning and growing and renewing faith and LIVING.

Challah turkeys are the only poultry in my kitchen!