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Sunday, November 23. 2008

Grateful

Sunday Morning … it’s gray here in San Diego and a frightening 54° Fahrenheit. To go outside one would have to wear a jacket, or a long-sleeve shirt at least! Okay, this is an assault on those who may be living in the Denver, Colorado area where the temps are as low as 28° in Greeley! Or Wisconsin, formerly home to me. There the temps are all below freezing.

Two months ago I began making plans to visit Colorado for Thanksgiving, but a change in employment changed my plans. So, this year, once again, there will be no family to laugh and joke with, argue and compare expanded belt sizes with and just basically bask in the joy of family. I like mine, despite their predilections. Some of them are quite religious, some even vote Republican — but I can forgive anything. They never say “no” when I need a meal.

This year, I’ll enjoy the company of friends in San Diego. There will be a communal meal with an extensive potluck; maybe 50 or more largely happy people busting with smiles that someone (me and many others) would consider spending at least part of the day with them, sharing not just a meal, but the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Beyond the meal, in fact deeper than the meal, is that Thanksgiving is a spiritual occasion. I used to think it was all about being thankful and eating, which it is; one of the keys to a happy life is being grateful for what we have and celebrating the holiday came about first to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and for having lived one more year; it was a day to express one’s gratitude. And that’s still a part of Thanksgiving.

But nothing could be more God-like (even if you don’t believe in “God”) than spending time in the warmth of love and fellowship with family, friends and those who love us, and, as St. Francis prayed, “to love, rather than to be loved.” That’s where I’ll be Thursday, seeking to love, rather than be loved.

Posted by Tim Forkes in HOLIDAYS at 08:01 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

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