Thanksgiving has two words within it. We tend to focus on the first.
When I reflect on what I’m thankful for, the obvious comes to mind first. I have all I need to flourish and be happy – plentiful food, a wonderful home, and people who care about me. I don’t live in a country torn by war or famine. I’m not threatened by militia or poverty or natural disaster. The luck of being dropped into this life is hard to believe, a humbling grace.
But while true, these can feel abstract. What touches me more directly are the small, intimate moments that mostly pass without my notice. Like the street scene I saw this week in Oaxaca.
There was a young man, maybe 16, making marquesitas from a bicycle popup propane grill. With a practiced hand, he swirled the griddle with batter, flipped it, spread it with nutella, bananas, strawberries, and dulce de leche. He rolled his masterpiece with a flourish and handed it to a young lady with a smile that was half joy, half flirtatious charm. As she took a bite, her eyes widened with delight. She returned his smile.
I’m thankful I saw that. Something tugged the sleeve of my attention and said, “Stop. Watch this.” The simple act of paying attention reminded me that life’s beauty is scattered all about, best taken in small bites.
Something else happens, too, when I pay attention, and that is where the second word enters the picture for me. When I am opened by the spirit of gratitude, I am also filled with a spirit of generosity. I want to share my sense of abundance and gratitude. Is there such a thing as a Thanksgiving Day resolution, where I commit to being both grateful and generous, to being the kind of person that creates moments of delight for others?
Here is my thought – for one day, Thanksgiving Day, to enter every conversation with open curiosity; to give the gift of my full attention; to catch and quell my typical urge to guide the conversation; to listen for the sake of being enriched by the presence of another. Let me carry this intention and watch to see if what follows are moments of delight. If successful, why not continue the experiment for another day, and another?
Photograph Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez/Getty Images
Steve – I am so grateful for YOU! You have brought me joy and enriched my life with your gifts. Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday because it’s about being grateful for what I have – noticing what I have to be grateful for – sharing simple pleasures with those I love. It’s a giving of our hearts to each other as we celebrate giving thanks!
Gratefully,
Thanks Gloria. I also love Thanksgiving. The cooking and preparation can be stressful, but in a good way that shares our abundance. It always feels good.