Tomorrow is Thanksgiving – my favorite holiday. It’s completely secular, devoid of scandal or partisan taint. It satisfies a very important, and very human, need: Step back from the bustle and bother of daily life, and give thanks. Hopefully, this is not the only time of the year when you do this (I try to do it every day, at some level), but I love that as a country we have decided to create a nationwide holiday to give thanks.
Life is so unfair. I know there are some who have to dig pretty deep to find something to give thanks about. I’ve no doubt that if I had been through a recent traumatic tragedy, I would be hard-pressed to feel thankful. I hope everyone who reads this will be able to find a reason to be thankful. It’s very healing to acknowledge the positive aspects of your life.
I’ve lost some friends since last Thanksgiving, but I am thankful I was able to share my life with them before they left us. Some of my friends have become ill, and I am thankful they’re still with us and hopeful they will soon recover.
I am thankful that I have never had to dread Thanksgiving because being with family is stressful. Throughout my life, my family (and it has grown from added kids, in-laws, etc.) is always a joy to be around. We are very lucky, I know.
I am thankful that we have not had a difficulty affording a feast on Thanksgiving – yet. No one knows what the future holds, but so far, we have been blessed to have the means to enjoy a feast with our friends and family.
I am VERY thankful that I have a wonderful wife – my companion, my best friend, for so many years. The future always seems bright when she’s in it.
I am thankful I was inspired to become a musician. It was never easy, and never effortless, but I wanted it bad enough to keep after it, and I have become a good musician, and hope to enjoy playing music (and listening to it) all my days.
I am grateful for the wonderful musicians I have played with during the year at a variety of locations and in a variety of musical genres.
I am thankful for the California Bluegrass Association. They have given me so much – they support a form of music I love, helped me become conversant in that idiom, and I have met so many wonderful people through this organization. They have also given me an outlet for my extra time and skills – I love participating in the CBA. It’s good for karma, good for my soul, good for my heart.
So, turkey up, everyone – step back from the ledge of stress and negativity, and embrace thankfulness and positivity. Certainly, do this tomorrow. But try also to do it every day. It is a tonic for your soul.
