Keeping Thanksgiving in perspective

Keeping Thanksgiving in perspective

As we prepared to sit and enjoy this year’s Thanksgiving dinner everything seemed to be perfect. Each dish turned out great and fortunately, this year, most of the family was able to travel and descend upon our home for some fellowship and feasting. As I sat, watching, the smiles of young and old brightened the room, one couldn’t help but reciprocate. Stories of holidays past emanated from the lips of both the young and old as we silently paid tribute to those beloved family members who had gone before us and were feasting at a heavenly table, rather than ours.

The day had been a busy one, seemingly before it had even started. Intending to test out my newly received smoker, I awoke early to prepare the turkey which in merely six to seven hours would be ready to eat. Although new to the art of smoking meat, my confidence in my ability left no worries about the outcome, at least I hoped. With the turkey seasoned and smoke billowing, I quickly moved on to the next task, a quick 5K turkey trot Lilli had decided to take part in. While Mom and Grandma remained tightly tucked in their warm beds, the girls and I faced the cold and headed out to the Big Spring where other individuals with similarly poor choice-making skills would meet up for the event.

Why I saw so many smiles I’ll never understand but before us stood a pack of approximately 50 people ready to conquer the course and share a little benevolence on this day before they themselves partook. As I stood and watched Lilli and the other competitors take part in the race I was amazed at their resilience and fortitude. Additionally, I remained a little stunned by the jovial spirit displayed throughout the event by the runners. Although the question of why anyone would enjoy running three miles, let alone on Thanksgiving Day, remained, I quickly transitioned into spectator and found myself enjoying the time away.

With all the running complete, hands shaken, and greetings rendered, all the runners regained their breaths and split towards their vehicles to conquer the rest of the day. As the girls and I spoke about our morning to that point, I had a difficult time expressing just how proud I was of both girls. Lillis endurance had earned her a medal and Riy’s kind soul had helped her encourage countless runners along the way. As we headed home Lilli turned and said, “You know, I kind of feel bad for Thanksgiving...everyone is so excited for Christmas that it really doesn’t get the attention it deserves”.

As I considered Lilli’s words, I began thinking about just how wise the child was at her young age. So often in life we get caught up on the next event, future task, or the things to come that we hastily neglect the here and now. Seemingly we go through the motions with little thought about our current blessing and run full speed towards the next. In the end, missing the joy of seeing others we care about run a race, tasting smoked turkey or Grandma’s corn casserole, or simply sitting in reverent silence thinking about our loved ones and the joy they truly bring. Slow it down my friends. Enjoy the here and now. For now, is the time where the memories are created for the future. And by all means, let’s give Thanksgiving its props.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.