"Thanks" and "Giving"

Reading from Monday, November 21, 2011 yoga class

A couple of "bits" I read last week about the holiday that we are about to celebrate.  Both of them say it with different words, but the same meanings.  I hope you enjoy reading these bits of wisdom as much as I did.  

Whether a meal is shared with family or close friends, it's not usually about the food.  It's about being present to one another--although I am not rich, I am a long way from poor.  The greatest riches in my life have nothing to do with wealth or possessions.  I am blessed by having people in my life who LOVE me and care about me--this is not limited to just family--I am also blessed with good friends--besides these obvious blessings, I have also been given a sense of wonder, an appreciation for beauty and the ability to enjoy the simple things in life.  

                                                                    From the blog "Stumbling Along the Spiritual Path" 
                                                                                                            by Mike Brown

Although I do not know Mike, he writes a lot about the same feelings I have on various topics.  Thanks to Mike for his wisdom and expertise in sharing them.



This year I have been reminded in the most pointed way that life is really about other people.  My work and my life have underscored that truth...There simply aren't enough words to express my thanks to family, friends and co-workers, who have been there as I hit some bumps in 2011.  They helped me get up again and move along and their kindness and support are the greatest gifts I could receive; they fill my heart and renew my belief in the good life has to offer.

So I approach this Thanksgiving with a greater sense of the separate words that make up the name of this week's holiday:  "thanks" and "giving." 

At our family dinner on Thursday, as usual I will be saying the blessing taught to me by my old friend, John, who kept walking, no matter what, as long as he lived.  It pays tribute to how much other people bring to our lives.  You might want to clasp hands around the table and say it, too:

        Thank you for the food before us, the friend beside us and the love between us.  Amen

    From Sunday, November 20, 2011 Louisville Courier Journal  written by Pam Platt, columnist

I love Pam Platt's columns.  I have been known to sit at the kitchen table reading the Sunday paper with tears rolling down my face after reading some of her columns.    Thank you Pam!!!

I have SO much to be thankful for, and she is right on... Life IS about other people who hold us up and love and support us.  Aren't we lucky!!!