The day after Thanksgiving I talked to my son on the phone and gave him a preview of how I intended to write about my thoughts for a post-Thanksgiving article. He advised me, quite succinctly, “Try not to offend anyone.” Let’s see if I can accomplish that.
A few days before the turkey day holiday, I attended a dinner celebration and was asked to deliver the blessing before the meal. I accepted even though leading a prayer is out of my comfort zone. I started by saying that I believed many in our country do not realize how truly blessed we are. I noticed a couple heads in the crowd nodding in agreement. I then proceeded to fumble my way through an ad lib grace that unfortunately didn’t end as graceful as I wished.
At this same dinner I was also asked if I sometimes want to rant in my article. I do; but is that what people want to read. I realize that not everyone thinks the same way as me. In some instances that is probably a very good thing!
Since that night I have truly reflected on my life and how grateful I am for what I have now. I also have spent a lot of time thinking of the true meaning/origin of Thanksgiving.
Despite the problems we do have in this country it does appear many people have it worse, and for some, much worse. I do not worry about landmines in my fields like some Ukrainian farmers. Warring factions do not fire missiles within earshot of my farm. Mother Nature has not beaten me into despair. I could continue, but if you need more examples, you only need to watch the world news. Has the meal designed to be a once-a-year feast to celebrate the years bounty become just another feast of many throughout the year with the only exception being the sacrifice of a turkey?
It probably did not help that I also recently watched the Netflix documentary, “Buy Now, The Shopping Conspiracy.” This show portrays the environmental cost of an industry that thrives on people’s relentless pursuit of happiness in buying things. What is the true/hidden cost of society’s thirst for material possessions?
This was not a good viewing choice for myself when I was already questioning how most of us seem to have lost the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I have been disenfranchised for years about how Christmas has become for many all about the deals/shopping. Have these holidays become more about the food and possessions than their origins?
As a very fiscally conservative person raised by depression era parents, I was disappointed that the documentary did not even mention the financial toll of our thirst for materialistic possessions. How many people seriously affect their lives buying all the goods they want at the cost of ignoring their needs? I must regress, I am starting to rant. I suggest you watch the show. I found it quite interesting.
In the meantime, I hope to see some signs that I am wrong about my thoughts. It is 8:27 pm on Black Friday and I have not bought a single thing today. Is that a good thing or am causing someone to lose a job that they desperately need.
I hope I have successfully followed my son’s advice.
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