Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving
"Happy Thanksgiving." This is something I am sure we all hear often this time of year but does it really mean anything to anybody any more. Just look around, the economy is in shambles, many people are without jobs, the government is divided, and the Dallas Cowboys lost! Personally, I have a job that challenges me every day, a healthy growing family, as well as tests and trials, so what should be my mindset on Thanksgiving?
When I look around me I don't things are not always "black and white" when it comes to having a Thanksgiving mindset. This country has become accustomed to so much material wealth and prosperity that even in times of financial crisis we continue with many of the lifestyle habits that not only contradict a true Thanksgiving attitude but also contribute to the financial downturn. Ironically, over the years we have moved further and further away from giving thanks on the day of Thanksgiving. Think about it, what would Thanksgiving be these days without our fixation on turkey, football, gluttony, and Black Friday?
Personally, I am tired of the cycle. This year I am going to be thankful for my faith, family, friends, employment, health, and everything else that comes along with them even if it kills me. I refuse to fall into the trap of overeating and regretting it on the scale. I refuse to be glued to the TV watching football while ignoring all of the family members sitting around me. I refuse to be influenced by the commercials and advertisements dead set on getting me to want more and buy more of the latest greatest gadgets. I also refuse to continue wasting precious time away from what matters most in my life. First I will strive to live a thankful week. Then I will look forward to experiencing a thankful month. Ultimately, I am going to try to avoid all of the things that have come to symbolize Thanksgiving. Now I am not talking about the things we say this day represents, but the things that have come the represent Thanksgiving today. Here is to really giving thanks on the day of Thanksgiving!
From Haiti to America: A Lesson in How We Live
If you’ve been on planet Earth this week, you’ve seen the heart-wrenching devastation in Haiti—the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, now shattered by disaster. The images are unbearable: families torn apart, lives buried under rubble, a nation crying out for help.
I can’t stop thinking about them. But I also can’t stop thinking about us—here in America—watching from our couches, on HD flat screens, with food in the fridge and clean water at our fingertips. We send up prayers, text our donations, maybe even shed tears. But let’s be honest: when the coverage fades, will we really take away anything lasting? What should we be learning from this?
Taking Things for Granted
For two days I’ve wrestled with that question. Everything happens for a reason, right? Maybe this moment is about human unity. Maybe it’s about learning gratitude for what we have. But those answers feel too easy.
What if the real lesson is about time? About how we spend the only non-renewable resource we have.
We live in a culture addicted to more—more wealth, more stuff, more attention, more comfort. Even when we think we’re living simply, compared to Haiti we’re living the high life. And yet, with all our comfort, we waste days scrolling, complaining, chasing things that don’t matter.
The people of Haiti didn’t wake up expecting their world to collapse. Neither do we. But one day, it will be our last day too. We just won’t know it when we roll out of bed that morning.
Living Like It Matters
So what do we do with that truth? We stop assuming we have endless tomorrows. We stop treating time like it’s cheap. We spend our days on what matters most: loving people, pursuing purpose, leaving a positive mark.
If tragedy teaches us anything, it’s this: life is fragile. Every day we wake up in peace, it’s a gift. Let’s not waste it. Let’s live as if today could be our last—because one day, it will be.
Tapping In
turned on pendant lamp
I am sure you are one of those individuals that love to learn. If you are anything like me, you even think learning is fun. But have you ever asked yourself why? Or better yet, have you asked, how long has it been that way? Many of you urban educators are facing students daily that don't seem to be infatuated with learning like yourself. So why don't we challenge ourselves to understand why we can't wait to learn something new and what was it that cultivated the craving for knowledge in our lives? If we can tap into that, maybe we can tap into our students.