The Meaning of Thanksgiving

 

When we arrived at Doris and James' expansive house—my brother’s parents-in-law—located in a rural area outside of Jackson, we found the oval driveway filled with their relatives' cars. It was a crisp, drizzly Thanksgiving day. Most of the leaves had fallen from the trees, and the scent of smoke from the fireplace signaled the warmth that awaited us inside.

As we entered the beautifully decorated home, the sounds of laughter and cheerful chatter enveloped us. The aroma of roasting turkey mingled with fresh-cut flowers and scented candles, creating an inviting atmosphere. Even the bathrooms impressed, offering soft, monogrammed hand towels instead of paper towels, along with fragrant soaps and perfumed hand lotions.

The dining tables overflowed with every Southern culinary delight, and Doris’s cornbread dressing—made without white bread or fancy ingredients—stole the show. This was more than just a meal; it was a feast for the mind, body, and soul. Plus, everyone took home leftovers, a bonus that reminded me that Christmas was just around the corner, providing an opportunity to do it all over.

Earlier that day, my sons and I had just come from a vastly different Thanksgiving experience. I had taken the initiative to sign us up to serve meals at the Salvation Army in Jackson. The sight of families, elderly individuals, and homeless people lined up for food was heartbreaking. Children shivered in thin clothing, and homeless men waited with scraggly beards and dirty hands. Many wore mismatched clothes with holes, and their pants were held up by ropes while their shoes fell apart. We greeted them with a hearty "Happy Thanksgiving," urging them to return for more, but their eyes remained downcast.

A local television station even came to film the event. My sons, actively serving and cleaning up, were featured in an interview and appeared on the evening news. I anticipated that this experience would ignite a passion for community service in them as they transitioned into adulthood. At Christmas, I would encourage them to choose a boy, from our churches giving tree, who was their age, sacrificing part of their own holiday to buy gifts for him. I refuse to accept that these lessons have no impact—I remain hopeful that they will resonate.

While Doris chose to wait for us to arrive before starting the meal, no one inquired about our experience. It’s disheartening that many prefer to remain in their bubble, ignoring the suffering around them.

My Thanksgiving, filled with familial warmth and full stomachs, made me acutely aware of the scene at the Salvation Army. As I drove home amidst the falling sleet, a profound sadness overcame me as I thought about the struggles of those we served. The stark contrast between their lives and our own settled heavily on my shoulders, leaving me with a sense of guilt.

What does Thanksgiving mean to me? I recall the first Thanksgiving shared between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, who were settled while the Pilgrims faced hardships. For Thanksgiving to carry true meaning, it requires us all to step outside our comfort zones and confront the reality of those less fortunate.

Reflecting on the word “Thanksgiving” I now believe it should be two words “Thanks giving” to remind us of the giving part of the word.

Chapala, MX

Thanksgiving Nov. 28, 2024