Pause a Moment.

by Carol

from the Field Gallery, Martha's Vineyard

We have all acknowledged it. The world is getting smaller, the years are going by faster, far away places are getting more similar. You can go to McDonald's in Shanghai, and eat Thai food in Hoboken. 

I'm OK with all that. We are more a part of "the globe" everyday and that helps us appreciate our similarities.(or it should). It helps us to find common purpose.(or it should.) But we do lose a little individuality, a little ethnicity. I hate to see that go.

And now the seasons are shortening. We take down the New Year's decorations and put up hearts for Valentine's Day. We advertise bathing suits in the midst of the March snow. It's to give us more time to shop for things we don't really need. And this time of year, my least favorite thing happens. Christmas decorations are in the stores, our local streets are decorated. I heard a woman interviewed on Election day in North Carolina. She was waiting for the polls to close so that she could transform the town square into Santa's village for the town's Christmas parade and celebration, complete with eggnog.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No presents to buy, no fancy color-themed clothes (unless you want them.) Just good food, family time and gratitude. So join me, won't you? Put your shopping list aside at least until Black Friday. Help your Mom makes some leaf wreaths. Rip up the bread to stuff the turkey. Make an apple pie. Take a walk outside.

But most of all, make your gratitude list. Make it in your head if not on paper. Look around your table, whether it seats 3 or 40, and think about the souls who share your life. Consider your own traditions. Take in your surroundings. Treasure your time with those you don't see often. And say a little prayer of thank you for all you have been given. Wilferd A. Peterson calls it "Thanksliving" It's a verb. What follows is his list of how to do it. It's a good list.

                                -By living your life triumphantly
                                -By being grateful to all who have helped you
                                -By you doing things for others
                                -By striving to make others happy
                                -By helping to be an inspiration to others
                                -By living each day to the fullest
                                -By using your talents and obligations to be invested for the common good
                                -By facing the challenges of life as a challenge for achievement
                                -By enjoying what you have and sharing it with others

Happy Thanksliving Everyone!