by William Guilmette

Created on: October 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

We often think about the holiday season when we hear about giving thanks. After all, Thanksgiving was about the Pilgrims thanking the Wampanoag Indians for the plentiful harvest, in the form of a feast. There have been modifications and different versions of the story of Thanksgiving, but the general idea of giving thanks remained the same. Karin Goldstein, a Curator of Original Collections with the Plimoth Plantation, wrote an article titled, As American as Apple Pie, describing the some of the progressions and thoughts of Thanksgiving. This is interesting reading and gives a perspective you may or may not have heard.

Thanksgiving, however, should not be the only time we give thanks. Taking time to give thanks should be a natural part of our daily routines. From the time each of us wakes up in the morning, it is not difficult to find someone or something to give thanks.

We should thank the Lord for giving the opportunity and strength to rise each morning and continue with our lives. Without His help our mere existence would be difficult.

We should thank our children for providing interesting challenges and valuable life experiences. Children are often taken for granted and seen as immature. They are a wealth of knowledge and provide joy, comfort, and laughter, if given the chance. Each day they should be recognized and thanked for being a part of our lives.

Family members and friends need to be thanked for providing comfort, acting as a sounding board during hard times, and simply being there when we need them the most. No one can go through life alone and we need to be thankful for those who help us. We need to thank public servants who protect, educate, and guide us through our everyday routines. Doctors, firefighters, police officers, and teachers have difficult jobs and seldom receive a "thank you."

It only takes a moment to say "thank you" and let people know you appreciate them and appreciate what they do. It does not cost a single penny nor does it hurt, but it provides an invaluable feeling of satisfaction with the giver and receiver. Take time to thank the grocery store clerk for bagging your groceries, the mechanic fixing for your car, the nurse for taking care of your sick child, and the older generation for sharing their wisdom and knowledge. You will feel better and be a better person.

Karin Goldstein, As American as Apple Pie, Plimoth Plantation.

http://www.plimoth.org/discover/thanksgiv ing/pumkin-pie.php

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