Giving Thanks

We are still recouperating from an eventful Thanksgiving celebration. This year's festivities were hosted by my parents and attended by 10 out of 12 Herrmann families and their matriarch (my mom's siblings and her mom). I think the count was up to 56. Let's just say there was opera involved and leave it at that.


Caris enjoyed her first taste of turkey and we translated many Thanksgiving goodies into food form suitable for lil' C via our handy food maker. She LOVED it; already getting the hang of this holiday.



To me, the Thanksgiving holiday has always been a beautiful celebration of traditions and family. As I reflected on the meaning of the day, it occurred to me that this is the only holiday in which the title includes a verb. Inherent in its name is a charge to fulfill.


The act of Giving Thanks.

I will say, that I am overtly thankful for numerous blessings on a daily basis. Constantly reminded of truly how much I have to be thankful for and offering up an expression of thanks. But do I engage in the verb? Do I GIVE thanks in tangible ways? The holiday title does not simply enourage feeling Thankful. It charges us to express this through the act of giving.

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" Luke 12:48


Our life is abundantly full of gifts; both tangible and intangible in form. Much, indeed, has been given to us. And we are called to give in return. The outpouring of thanks I feel constantly should be translated to action. I feel challenged to engage more fully in this act of giving. To give more freely, with thanks, because of thanks.


The act of doing can be manifested in many forms. In fact, the very nature of the Thanksgiving celebration is a wonderful example of giving. What a huge feat to prepare such a feast. Always done with a joyful heart, so that those we love can celebrate with one another.


There are the 'big ticket' items. Involvement in local charities, food banks, sponsoring families, missions. These are areas in which I hope our family can be more actively involved in over the holiday season.


But along with that, there are so many ways to actively give thanks on a daily, hourly basis. Giving a co-worker a sympathetic ear when you are busy, giving an email or letter of encouragement to a friend, giving a smile to the stranger in the elevator, giving directions to the wayward patient, giving your downtime to bring dinner to a family, giving a call to listen to a friend in need. All small acts, that when conscious of the intention, can be easily assimilated into daily happenings.


And you know what I've noticed? The more I consciously give thanks, the more I am thankful.


Thank you, to all of you, for your involvement in our life. For your continued support, in all forms, along our journey. I hope that this blog can, in some ways, be an act of giving.