#517 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Thursday November 24)
Happy Thanksgiving!
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”—John F. Kennedy
Today is one of my two favorite holidays (the other is Passover). They share some of my favorite things.
First, of course, is the focus on food—and not just food generally but comfortable, familiar, foods that we have come to love. This is in part because they transport us to prior times, at prior tables, together with people we want to remember.
Second, is that both holidays represent connections—not only to the people there with us at the table, but with tables in millions of other homes, multiplied by countless tables throughout the years.
Third, is that both holidays celebrate gratitude. The more we can nurture this emotion—this obligation—the more likely we are to emerge stronger from these fraught days. Regardless of one’s political party, regardless of one’s religion, regardless of one’s job, place in society, or beliefs, we should be thankful for the country we live in, the prosperity we enjoy (to varying degrees, to be sure), and the freedoms we possess.
Finally, we should be grateful to each other—not only to family members, but to peace officers, health care workers, workers in the nonprofit arena, the guy who lets us in when merging on the freeway, baristas and servers in restaurants. We should be grateful for the short time we have on this earth and be mindful that, with such short time, we should use it wisely and productively.
And, with gratitude comes humility—a trait often in short supply but sorely in need.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,
Glenn
PS: And I am thankful to you, as readers, for hanging in there with me over these nearly three years!
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