Thanksgiving Day, despite its name, does not always evoke thoughts of giving thanks – at least initially. Depending on the person, the first thought of Thanksgiving can call forth images of football, a frosty morning in a tree stand, or a Rockwell-esque feast with silver dishes and all the trimmings.
For some, that first thought may be of a tense gathering of extended family, an exciting prep for an early morning shopping spree on Black Friday, or of that certain combination of turkey, sides, and pie that make the meal complete.
Many of these thoughts are based as much in memory as they are in anticipation. Folks recall the memories of Thanksgivings past and project them onto the future because tradition is a hallmark of the day, and of the season.
Hopefully, any bad memories and tough situations do not become tradition, but for some people hunger and other needs are an unwilling tradition – not only on Thanksgiving Day, but any and all days throughout the year.
In their recollections of Thanksgiving, some may look outwards with annual plans to volunteer at a shelter or a soup kitchen, or deliver food to their neighbors in need. We hope many do.
We hope many will come around to be thankful for their own blessings, and to look around to see those who may need a friend or neighbor to help them fill their belly, heat their home, or shovel their walk.
We hope many will start a tradition of gratitude and lending a hand – thanks and giving – for not just one day, but for every day.
