Driving back to Atlanta on the fourth Tuesday of November, I realized that Thanksgiving is my favorite national holiday. As a child growing up with three generations of elders within a 30-mile radius, holidays presented more opportunities for family visits. The biggest difference was using the china and crystal reserved for such occassions - namely, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.
In the midst of summer when the days are long and hot, Americans celebrate our independence with a national holiday. Historically, this sprang forth from the end of British rule in our land. Is this still the cause of our celebration of independence? Or, did our growth into a superpower breed a misconception of arrogance? Has our historical struggle for independence been overshadowed by a national sense of entitlement? Have we been lulled into the belief that "might makes right?"
While these are important questions to ponder, the question at hand is, "Why is Thanksgiving my favorite national holiday?" In the midst of autumn when the days are growing shorter and colder, we, the people of the United States of America, collectively and individually pause in gratitude. In this simple act, we acknowledge our blessings even in the midst of difficulties. In this simple act, we proclaim our humility.
Regardless of our faith tradition or political conviction, we honor the need to give thanks. Whether we are from the First Nations, or our ancestors journeyed from distant lands - as passengers or as cargo - we pause in gratitude. Whether alone, or in the midst of family and friends, we give thanks because we understand that even our breath is gift.
Almost 400 years after the first Thanksgiving, this year's holiday falls a few weeks after our nation made a historically significant step in the healing of it's racial divide. Only 40 years ago - only 40 months ago - many could not have imagined the history we are witnessing.
While we as a nation have far to go in learning to live our promise, we are obviously - much to our surprise - making progress in growing into a more perfect union. As we pause on this Thanksgiving, may we give thanks for the continuing growth of our nation.
In the midst of summer when the days are long and hot, Americans celebrate our independence with a national holiday. Historically, this sprang forth from the end of British rule in our land. Is this still the cause of our celebration of independence? Or, did our growth into a superpower breed a misconception of arrogance? Has our historical struggle for independence been overshadowed by a national sense of entitlement? Have we been lulled into the belief that "might makes right?"
While these are important questions to ponder, the question at hand is, "Why is Thanksgiving my favorite national holiday?" In the midst of autumn when the days are growing shorter and colder, we, the people of the United States of America, collectively and individually pause in gratitude. In this simple act, we acknowledge our blessings even in the midst of difficulties. In this simple act, we proclaim our humility.
Regardless of our faith tradition or political conviction, we honor the need to give thanks. Whether we are from the First Nations, or our ancestors journeyed from distant lands - as passengers or as cargo - we pause in gratitude. Whether alone, or in the midst of family and friends, we give thanks because we understand that even our breath is gift.
Almost 400 years after the first Thanksgiving, this year's holiday falls a few weeks after our nation made a historically significant step in the healing of it's racial divide. Only 40 years ago - only 40 months ago - many could not have imagined the history we are witnessing.
While we as a nation have far to go in learning to live our promise, we are obviously - much to our surprise - making progress in growing into a more perfect union. As we pause on this Thanksgiving, may we give thanks for the continuing growth of our nation.
www.LeslyeWrytes.com
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