Monday, November 15, 2010

Giving Thanks TO Others


Well, in the US it's that time of the year that we all get together and give thanks. Thanksgiving was originally a time to come together and celebrate the harvest... to give thanks to the earth for her bounty. It has definitely evolved over the years into a time for family and friends to come together and eat turkey, watch football, and plan holiday shopping. Ok, sometimes we give thanks too, but mostly we stuff our pie holes.
 
Giving Thanks TO as well as FOR
Many times Thanksgiving is spent giving thanks FOR the things that we have. This is a terrific tradition. But this year, I'm hoping to encourage you to expand it a little bit. This year in addition to giving thanks for your things (extrinsic, tangible, measurable stuff), I propose that you take a few minutes to think about the intrinsic, infinitely valuable gifts that you have received... that others have brought to your life.
Let's give thanks TO the people as well as FOR the things.

Gratitude
When I think of the times that I feel most fulfilled, it doesn't involve doing or getting "things". It usually involves the joy that another human being has shared with me.