I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope you’ll find a moment in the midst of the hullaballoo to stop and meditate on blessings that you take for granted on ordinary days. This isn’t an ordinary day, you know. None of them are—it’s just that we’re in too much of a hurry to notice.
I watched a small buck grazing next to the yard fence while I made coffee this morning. He looked up, from time to time, to watch me back. There were grouse in the lane, and the ground sparkled with frost. I remembered to say thanks.
Some of you are already ahead of yourselves, making plans for Black Friday. I wish you’d hold off on that, at least until Saturday. Give the company a chance to linger before heading home. Take your time picking up the house. Meditate on the conversations you enjoyed, and remember there are no guarantees about a next time. If you are a guest elsewhere, tell your hosts once more that you appreciate them. And, if you must shop, I hope you keep it simple.
We’ve already received a couple of special gifts. A good friend made a donation to a local charity in our name. A granddaughter’s family were here overnight last week. Getting ready to prepare breakfast, I found a tiny book on the kitchen table titled, “Something to Cheer You Up.” Our twelve-year-old great granddaughter made it by folding paper in some manner known only to artists of her type. Each little page contains thoughts of appreciation for us, and for her family. She even left some pages blank for us to fill in our own cheerfulness. No matter how many stores you hit on your annual shopping spree, you won’t find anything more precious than these offerings.
We’ve reached the age when there’s nothing we really need, and no room in the house for more stuff. I hope that those planning to give me gifts will donate the amount they would have spent to a local cause. Many people are struggling in this economy, and those of us who aren’t should help where we are able. If it’s important to you to give material goods, make it something we can use up. Homemade treats, soap, tickets to an event, a lunch date… books. I can always find a place for one more of those but maybe try your hand at making your own, as my great granddaughter did.
No shopping stress this year. I’ll make donations in someone’s name, or give money, with a note saying, “Spend some, save some, and use some to help somebody else.” Maybe a trinket, some silly socks, or cartoon book. My mom loved wrapping gifts to put under the tree and I inherited that gene.
Like most of you, we’ve tightened our belts, and think twice before laying down the dollars. It’s really amazing, the things we thought we needed but don’t. And a challenge to find places where those dollars we saved will be most helpful.
Meet me here next week and meanwhile do your best. Somebody’s sure to like it.