Thanksgiving, And Real Thanks

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

This week, most of us continue to observe a tradition which started back in 1621, when
the Indians and the Pilgrims shared their first Harvest meal. This was indeed a time of
real thanks considering the harshness of the newcomer’s lives in an environment they
were not really prepared for.

For too many today, the experience is just as real to the homeless we politely call the
“unsheltered”; to the hungry who we say are experiencing “food insecurity”; and to those
who just barely have some shelter and some food, but not enough to move, out of lack
and want.

While the Indians came to the rescue of the Pilgrims, so many of us today have the
ability to rescue more of those among us and fail to do so. This is another appeal to put
aside Black Friday and the unnecessary food purchases unless we are inviting folks to
dinner who otherwise would have to wait in a line at one of the free holiday meal sites.

During this season of Thanksgiving, let us return to real thanks for not only what we have, but what we can do for others if we just choose to do so. Let us remember that
not everyone needs a turkey plate. Some need a hospital or nursing home visit. Some
just need a kind word spoken in friendship, others just a hug. When we stop to give real
thanks and become aware of what we have, then we can see the needs of others and
perhaps give a little of that real thanks in appreciating the opportunity to do something
for someone else. If you are already doing all of this, then pass it on and help someone
else catch up.

_____

READ MORE LIKE THIS:

• • ‘Black People and Black Friday’
  • ‘Now That the Election is Over…’
  • ‘The Last Word on Getting Out The Vote’