Aging with Grace

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of my favorite photos is the one above. It was taken at a friend’s wedding reception. However, it seems to me it would be an ideal setting to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner. A table that seems to go on forever, set up in a farmer’s orchard on a dazzling autumn day. A bluegrass combo, under the trees, is playing softly. In a moment family and friends will gather together to bless the day and enjoy a magnificent feast.

No matter how you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, whether you are at home or traveling many miles away, with a small group or a large crowd, it makes no difference. It can be hard to find the reason for the day beneath a fog of turkey and football. We are reminded, “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” To be thankful for all that we are given. To share what we have with friends and family.

Set aside differences for one day and enjoy the time together. The pandemic has shown us, nothing is guaranteed in life. None of us know where we will be at this time next year. Treasure the moment.