Thanksgiving... giving thanks?

One of my best friends blogged something yesterday that made me ponder; oh yeah, I ponder... sometimes! See http://cautionadultsatplay.blogspot.com/

A few years ago, I remember looking up the details of what thanksgiving was all about; did you know President Lincoln set forth a proclamation back in 1863 making the last Thursday of November, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens? Check out http://www.classicallibrary.org/lincoln/thanksgiving.htm for the genuine document. I don't remember that from school.

My favorite memories of Thanksgiving range from making hand turkeys in school to those awesome leftover sandwiches packed with stuffing and dripping with gravy; try making a shepherds pie, they're real good too! Back then I did not know what to be thankful for, school just told us that the pilgrims and the Indians had get togethers, but left out all the religious notations that Lincoln wanted us remember. My family always said to be thankful for our blessed lives, health and family. Again, not quite what Lincoln had planned for us, but that is OK.

Over the years, I have spent several Thanksgivings away from family and friends, which has brought a more meaningful understanding of this and all holidays. Thank the Lord, for which none of this is possible; thank your parents, siblings, family and friends, for they are your bond to humanity; be thankful for the hard times, because without them the good times just wouldn't be that good; and finally be thankful you live in the greatest place on earth... with all it's flaws, you could have been born where you do not have rights, privileges and chances to be who you are now.

Again this year I spend this holiday in a foriegn land and along with all the thankfuls I have already mentioned, I am thankful for the opportuinities my job has given me and the places it has taken me. Time spent away from those you care about, especially during the holidays, only makes the reunions that much more enjoyable.

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

Jeff