The Tiger's Right Paw

I think many of us do not have a good grasp of what Thanksgiving should be about. With danger looming around every corner these days, it’s only natural to only think about what is wrong with America and why your wallet is thinner. At this time, I would invite you and all Americans to forget about your material positions, and think about why Thanksgiving is really important.

Of course, money, cars and clothes are nice to have, but can you ever put a price on your family. Thanksgiving is about family. Anyone that tells you different is either lying, or has a huge self-image problem. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to sit at the biggest table you can find, and just soak in the fact that the people you are with make you happy to be alive.

Oh, and what about the small table in the corner of the room. The one with the tiny little chocolate turkeys on it, and the kids who started eating before saying grace. That’s right, the little kids table. If at any point you lose sight of the meaning of Thanksgiving, glance over at all those smiling children, and you will see that they are not thinking about material possessions. No, in fact, they are just happy to be in such a celebratory moment.

For a moment, think about what it would be like if you only cared about material possessions and never had a family to turn to. Will your sweet new ride be able to console you when something bad happens? Will your pocket full of cash give you a sense that you are not alone in this world? Will your designer jeans keep up a good conversation with you?

This Thanksgiving, think about the loved ones you have lost. Think about the pain you felt the day you found out they had passed, and tell me if losing any material position ever came close to touching that moment. Now, think about the opportunity you have. Talk with your family and turn the TV off. It doesn’t matter if the Cowboys win, what matters is that your family is the only thing worth living for. You see, Thanksgiving is not about quantity. It’s about quality.  

-Phil