Gratitude For The Wisdom at Our Table
As we look forward to Thanksgiving this week, many of us are already thinking about the traditions we have for this holiday, and I know this holiday looks different for everyone!
In our family, we think about who’s in charge of bringing what, who will be sitting around the table and of course the lively conversations and banter that will fill the room. These details are part of what makes the holiday feel so uniquely ours.
We continue to be blessed with my parents, now 92 years young, who join us each year at our Thanksgiving table. Not many people have the gift of sharing this day (and every day) with parents in their nineties, and we treasure the time we continue to have with them. Their presence adds richness and tradition to the celebration.
In thinking about the four generations who will gather with us over the course of the day, I was recently inspired to ask my parents what wisdom they most wanted to share. What are the lessons that have stayed constant from the time they were growing up, going through Depression and World War II, then raising us to what they are experiencing now. Their answers were simple.
My dad reminds us that at the heart of everything is faith in God…faith that life has a way of working itself out, even when things seem uncertain. I thank him for that and see what deep faith can look like and is so comforting. My mom stresses the importance of showing respect and kindness, believing wholeheartedly that treating others well can warm the heart. They both spoke about how the value of showing good manners is an important expression of consideration for others.
They both remind us and show through their actions that being thoughtful and aware of the needs and feelings of others is important. We are all here to serve others in the best way we can, and they do just that. Another message from them is to stop and listen. In a world that moves so quickly, taking the time to truly listen can be one of the most meaningful gifts we can give one another.
I think what is at the top of my list of the most important things in life and is often the simplest which is ……spending time with those you love..
May each of you be blessed with love and happy memories in whatever your family looks like, not only on Thanksgiving, but every day!
Love,
Cheryl