Thinkgiving!

  "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Nelson Mandela

On Thursday my family, just like yours and many others here in the states, will sit down to a Thanksgiving dinner. Before the meal, as has become our custom, someone will suggest that we all take a turn at saying what it is we are grateful for on this day.

I always find this part of the day awkward and uncomfortable. As one who tries to live each day in gratitude, picking the 4th Thursday of November to be grateful just doesn't sit well with me.

This year I am taking a different approach to this holiday.

What if we are focusing on the wrong part of the word?

Instead of talking about what we are thankful for,we speak of what how we can be more giving.

Sure I am grateful for all I have,my health, my family, my friends and loved ones.

All of these make me feel good.

They make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

However, if I want to feel significant, if I want to live a life fulfilled, I have to ask myself"what have I given lately?"

There is no question that it IS better to give than to receive.

So why on this day am I counting my blessings instead of challenging myself to give more?

Today I am officially renaming the day for myself from Thanksgiving to Thinkgiving.

At dinner Thursday afternoon, I will ask the others sitting at our table to join me , or at least consider if being giving is more important than being thankful.

Who knows what fruit that may yield?

Shavua Tov!

BTW.....if by chance you don't have a place to be come Thursday,you are most certainly welcome at our house!