Time to Give Thanks!

The first Thanksgiving feast was held in 1621 and included the colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans.  After that, Thanksgiving was celebrated by individual colonies and states, but it wasn't until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

From the time I was a little girl, I was taught that this is the time to give Thanks.  Traditions over the years have consisted of such things as everyone reciting what their thankful for around the dining room table; Classroom projects talking or writing about what your thankful for.  I’ve even watched social media become the platform for people to recite what they are thankful for on a daily basis during the month of November.  Aren’t we missing the boat (no pun intended)? 

Shouldn’t we be Thankful year round? 

I’ve had the privilege to serve on the GHAR Foundation for the last several years.  Being part of the Foundation has reminded me day after day of everything I have to be thankful for. This year I’m proud to announce that in a down economic time, we’ve managed to raise $30,000 + to give back to the local charities in our region.  Not only have my peers found money to give, but also found time to donate (REALTORS Out Reach or Extreme Home Makeover).  Our Thanksgiving Food Drive will feed more than 700 families this year.  Some of those same people that found it in their hearts to help the less fortunate are finding themselves in tough economic times.  I say Thank You to every one of them!  It makes me Thankful to be surrounded by such giving and wonderful people. 

What would our world look like if we took a little more time to be Thankful year round?  Would there be more charity involvement?  Would we find a little more peace?  I’m not sure any one of us can answer that question, but each one of us can just try to take a moment each day (not just the month of November)…and be Thankful.  Be Thankful for our faith, our family, our friends, our professions, our customers, our freedom, the air we breathe and the life we live. 

Giving thanks for the Creator’s gifts had always been a part of Wampanoag daily life.  Maybe we should take a lesson from the Native Americans that attended the first feast!

I hope everyone has wonderful Holiday!  Turkey, Football, Hunting, Shopping…. whatever your Holiday Traditions may hold!  I’m Thankful for each and every one of you!