Thanksgiving 2018: Family

Another Thanksgiving holiday is upon us and once again we have the opportunity to truly reflect on what we are thankful for. Sure, it is important to be thankful the other 364 days of the year as well, but I think a day dedicated to the topic allows us to dig a little deeper into our souls.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

At a loss for what to be thankful for this year? Feel free to follow my lead and dedicate Thanksgiving 2018 to family.

It is my hope that most people reading this tonight will be at a table tomorrow with some family – whether that be your own blood, the family of your spouse, or great friends who you have grown to consider as family over the years. During your time together, don’t take for granted the fact that you are surrounded by people who love you. Don’t lose sight for those few hours, that in a world of over 7.7 billion people, you are in the presence of a select number of individuals who value you and care for you more than anyone else. What a beautiful reality.

Many of us have discovered that family is everything. Without our loved ones, we would lack identity, purpose, and motivation. To have those in our lives who nurture us and inspire is the best gift of all.

Now I understand that that some folks might be a little bitter from past transgressions, but that shouldn’t stop your stream of gratitude from flowing, especially on this day. In a society where people will sometimes put greed or ego ahead of family, Thanksgiving is a time to reset. If you genuinely embrace the meaning of the day, you should have a pure holiday. Apologize when necessary, forgive unconditionally.

Tomorrow, I challenge you to do this: throughout the day, constantly let your family know how much they mean to you. Then, during the blessing before your Thanksgiving meal, take note of those around you. While their heads are bowed in prayer, thank God for placing each one in your life. Say this silent prayer of thanks with as much conviction and emotion as possible. When both the communal prayer and your personal prayer conclude, and you look up at those people who you treasure, I guarantee that you will be in the true Thanksgiving spirit.

Have a wonderful holiday, my friends. Don’t Blink.

 

2017 Thanksgiving Blog post

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