Dear Reader,
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. For me, it has always been a relatively simple holiday, based on simple things – family, togetherness, caring and gratitude. Each of these qualities has taken on different meaning for me over the years, and been expressed through a variety of circumstances, but the essence has always remained the same.
Family. Togetherness. Caring. Gratitude.
Good words, those. For some people of course, those words aren’t so good, especially that word “family.” But the essence of each word holds great opportunity. Each word, in fact, can provide the source for a powerful meditation or reflection.
Family. Who is my family? My family of origin? The family I married into? The family of inhabitants of this small island I live on? And what does family mean to me? Do I have positive or negative connotations, and why? Does my concept of family work for me, or is there anything I would like to change?
Togetherness. People spending time with and being present to each other. People choosing, whether easy or difficult, to focus on each other. People reaching out, as best they can, and people accepting each other’s imperfections.
Caring. Caring. Caring. Caring. I care about you. You make a difference in the world.
Gratitude. For what, in all your life, are you thankful? The small things, the big things – what are they? I am thankful for bare New England trees in November, and early snow, and hot chocolate, and the smile a shopkeeper here in Shetland gave me this afternoon, and the way a good, full breath feels, and the fact that in my life so far I have loved deeply and been loved just as deeply.
Wherever you are, dear reader, and whatever your circumstances, I wish for you a few moments to simply be present and aware of all you can be grateful for in your life. A little gratitude, truly felt, can go a long ways.
I honor your loving heart,
John
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