I think if we inverted the words to the upcoming holiday it would have more significance. "THANKSGIVING" has become a generic word that we use and fail to give significance to the day. What if we called it "GIVING THANKS DAY?"
Perhaps we would really pause between the great dinner repast and family gathering, and truly think, ponder and express what we have in our life; what blessings we enjoy; how fortunate we are and delight in our family, our friends and our circumstances.
My family has a great family tradition. Every other GIVING THANKS DAY, our entire family (30 of us) congregate at the beautiful Stein Erikson Lodge in Deer Valley to feast, visit, relax and enjoy the company of dear close family members. After dinner, we sit in a large circle and each person expresses what they are giving thanks for. (The reason we do this event every OTHER year is because our daughters and families go to the in-laws on alternate years.)
I am giving thanks this year for a multitude of reasons. I recently had a milestone birthday - 80. I'm thankful for reaching this milestone and for feeling good. The year 2012 was one of the better years health wise than previous years. I have been "unhooked" from the TPN feeding machine for all of 2012. Previously, I was attached to the machine for 15 1/2 hours a day for several years. I am maintaining my weight and hopefully can stay off the contraption. It was like being in prison hooked up for such a long time each day.
I'm so very happy and grateful for my four daughters. I see or talk to them each day. It's quite remarkable to say that never - never- have I ever had a disappointment, a concern, a cross word, or an embarrassment from these beautiful ladies. Now, two are grandmothers, all have wonderful marriages, beautiful children, fabulous homes, great lives and much happiness. That gives me much joy.
My grandchildren and great grandchildren fill me with excitement and pride. My posterity is assured. Two of my grandchildren are now parents. I remember so vividly when each of these grandchildren were born and now they have children of their own. Joyce and I watch with heart filled enthusiasm as these grand babies grow, mature, develop and expand their horizons,
I don't know many people who can say that they worked very hard their entire lives and enjoyed every single day of it. I had three jobs in 57 years and really loved each one. I spent 16 years in the common motor carrier field (Trucking), 25 years with the Chamber of Commerce and 16 years in banking. I retired at the age of 78 years old. I retired not because I wanted to but because of health reasons. Work was a joy. I give thanks for the great opportunities.
The greatest reason I have for giving thanks is Kathryn Joyce Worsencroft Ball. This great lady has put up with me for 59 years. What a joy and helpmate she has been. I am not the ideal husband. I have many idiosyncrasies that I'm certain are annoying. Joyce puts up with me, encourages me, councils me and has been a most willing caregiver. I love and appreciate her.
Yes. This holiday season lets emphasize the "giving thanks" part of Thanksgiving.
Do you have anything to be giving thanks for on this Thanksgiving? Be honest with yourself. If you don't believe you are blessed, just look around. See how others live and work. See the station in life of others. The Bible tells us that where much is given, much is expected. We have been given much and now much is expected of us.
Happy "GIVING THANKS DAY."
