Thanksgiving 2020 – The Year of the Three P’s
2020 has been a year for the record books. It’s hard to say with any certainty just how long the events of this year will be affecting us all – and the year still has a few weeks to go!
The list of extraordinary happenings in 2020 are unprecedented in my lifetime. I started to create this list, then realized that all the many items I would notate could be broken down to just three main areas – PANDEMIC, POLITICS, and PROTESTS.
This year, in whatever way that you and your families choose to connect, be it in person or virtually, I urge you to remember to give thanks and prayer like never before. Despite all that we’ve endured so far - and all that we continue to be challenged by - we can each make a difference.
I believe that most people want the same things out of life – the simple pleasures of finding love, creating a loving and caring family, providing the necessary resources for that family to grow with a minimum of financial stress, and the freedom to worship and believe as we choose, while pursuing the activities and interests we find passion in.
I believe it is the same in countries and families all the world over. Let’s try to remember this as we navigate through all the noise that is trying so hard to divide us by race, color, creed, political view, country of origin, sexual preference, gender, or anything else we’re told to believe is separating us.
The truth is, we are much more alike than we are different in the ways that really count – Matters of the Heart.
If we look for differences, no doubt we’ll find them. If we look for similarities – shared experiences – we will find them in much greater abundance.
Ask yourself – In what country on Earth would you find people that would not enjoy and value:
A soft summer rainstorm as viewed from the elevated windows of a coastal cabin
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten
The sounds and innocence of a newborn baby
Walking your daughter down the wedding aisle
Watching your son score his first goal (touchdown, home run, etc.)
The first time they say “daddy” (“mommy”)
Watching the stars from a hot tub on a cold Winter’s eve
Seeing the Continental Divide for the first time
The ocean’s many colors as seen from a sailboat
Experiencing your favorite music with someone to share it with
Tucking your children in at bedtime
The warmth and connection of family gathered for the Holidays
I could go on and on, but you get the idea…. These things bring a smile to our faces and lasting memories that endure for a lifetime. Enjoying them is not dependent on a certain religion, color, creed, or gender.
In this year unlike any other, it’s my hope that we can re-discover all of the many things that connect us as people on this earth – It’s these connections that can lead us to overcome this most difficult time.
Best Wishes for a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving!
