Thanks and Giving

With November arriving, many of us turn our thoughts to the cherished fall holiday, Thanksgiving.  Just the word itself can conjure up fond memories of a kitchen filled with mouth-watering aromas of turkey, stuffing, gravy, apple pie and a plethora of other wonderful food.  We typically enjoy our meal with family and/or friends gathered around, laughing and joking and watching football games or movies after we’ve finished eating. 

While you might be able to relate to everything I’ve already said here, it should come as no surprise that there are many who have never had, or can’t imagine a scene such as that during this Thanksgiving.  As I was driving around Austin this past week doing various errands, I was very pensive about this because of those I drove by and see every day on various street corners with signs asking for money, food or work.  My train of thought continued as I watched the news every night thinking about those that have been affected by recent heavy rains causing them to lose everything to flood waters, and how their Thanksgiving would be completely altered this year.

All too often we tend to remember the homeless, and the less fortunate around this time of year.  Our consideration lasts through approximately Christmas while we are intoxicated by a philanthropic mood that somehow permeates the air for two months.  We feel great about ourselves and how helpful we have been because we fill a few plates for the homeless Thanksgiving Day, and we gave a $10 bill to the Salvation Army bell ringer as we walked out of the store on Black Friday.  Then we hit January and turn our attention to whatever resolutions we’ve made to get in shape, or eat healthy, etc.  I’ve been guilty about this as well so I’m not chastising anyone by any means.  Instead I’d like to encourage a new perspective because the homeless and less fortunate are still a part of our society and their need does not go away just because the Thanksgiving and Christmas season is over.  More importantly we need to remember that they are our brothers and sisters in life.

So I’m suggesting a new spin on Thanksgiving to make it “Thanks and Giving”.  I would love to see Thanksgiving morph into something where we are not only reminded to give thanks for what we have in our lives, but we also make a commitment to give our time (not just money) year round to those who are in need.  The smallest things like going through your closet each season and giving to the Salvation Army what you don’t use, or choosing a day to meet with some friends and volunteer your time at the local food bank are some inexpensive and easy ways to start giving back.

We have a responsibility to the communities we live in, and it’s up to the person in the mirror to make a difference.  As this season is upon us, I encourage you to join me by figuring out ways to make a difference and help the less fortunate more consistently throughout the year and not just when Thanksgiving and Christmas comes around.