Thanksgiving

It has been a long time since I wrote anything on this blog. I've come to realize how important it is to my mental well being, however, to be creative in some way or another. Since then I have picked up my tuba again and joined the Loudon Community Band, made a more conscious effort to read books, tried to maintain some kind of a workout schedule, and finally, have started writing letters to people and entries on this blog. All are great outlets of creativity to make something unique and personal.
Over the past year I've noticed how many blogs are places for their authors to rant about things that make them angry, but I want this to be different. It's easy to rant about things under the cloak of anonymity that is the internet, but is that really healthy? Is it true that you feel better if you punch a pillow? Or does negativity pretty my always beget negativity? No, my goal here is to try my hand at creative writing, an experiment with which I have little experience. Don't get me wrong, I love trying to solve the world's problems, but there is a place and a time for everything. In all likelihood I will contradict this sentiment many times in the future, but that doesn't make the sentiment any less true.

In 45 minutes (even less by the time this is posted) it will be Thanksgiving day. Around this time of year Garrison Keillor always pops into my head; it never fails. He embodies a spirit of nostalgia and pastoral sentiment that I feel when the weather starts to turn cold, the leaves turn picturesque shades of red and yellow, the marching bands start winding down, family becomes a more prominent presence in our minds, and football can be seen every night if one tries hard enough. Garrison has a way of telling these meandering stories about the interactions between the imperfect people that live in his home town that brings a feeling of warmth and comfort. He describes events and relationships in a reflective and melancholy way, yet it always seems to put me in a more joyful frame of mind, reminded of the satisfaction that comes with close community.
How great it is to have a holiday that is dedicated to giving thanks for the blessings that we have. How often do we have a day set aside to be content with life? It's a day when we don't have to think about getting ahead, winning the rat race, building the resume, or climbing the corporate and social ladders. When we can stop struggling against the current and enjoy our God given gifts. And when asked what kinds of things do people say they are most thankful for? Health, family, friends, freedom. We're thankful for our relationships with other people and the basic things that sustain us. Simple things.
I've noticed how central a role food can play in community building. There's just something about preparing food with other people and then eating it that is crucial to building a tight bond between people. Maybe it's just that cooking is a good excuse to interact. Maybe it's that preparing a meal for someone is an act of love that takes effort and receiving a meal cooked by someone else takes humility and graciousness. Giving, receiving, reciprocity, grace, humility, appreciation; all are strengthened in a community that cooks and eats together.
It's my hope to set aside some time at least once a week to bask in this spirit of contentment and thanksgiving. Have a happy Thanksgiving and remember to be content, watch the Detroit Lions and eat plenty of food.