Thanksgiving
I anticipated this day for a while. Fall days come one by one, daylight lessening, leaves falling, my spirit waiting for the coming interlude–a day dedicated to taking stock of the goodness that life serendipitously has offered. Thanksgiving! The benefits that come our way are unaccountable. I did not expect them. Indeed no one “knows” what to expect from life. Definite expectations usually turn out to be illusions, someone else’s dream that has been foolishly purchased, at too high a price.
I’ll start with my seat here at Starbucks. For an older guy of 68 years, my cup of coffee is warm and tasty. By the blessing of relatively good health, I am here right now, able to compose my thoughts at this keyboard. All of this is a gift. This comfortable room. The barista behind the counter, who kindly reminded me of another customers name which I could not recall. To be alive, to converse with others, to feel the texture of one’s unique and one-of-a-kind life gives pause for gratitude.
The focus becomes sharper as the years pass, that life-with-others is the making of a feast, a celebration that does not need to end. Thanksgiving day is simply the opportunity to pay attention to the play bill, the set-list of “greatest hits” that make up the great work of which each life is an iteration. The concert never ends because giving thanks is a skill-set that is learned, and that is taught to the next generation. The generation to come will take their places on stage, enhancing as they can the emergence of meaning and beauty–after my generation’s time has passed.
So, I do look forward to the today’s meal of late afternoon, good food appreciated with my best friend and wife, Laura, who is producer and director of the party. I recall an even wider circle of friends, Mikey with whom I swapped stories of growing up, of struggle, and of good luck just a few days ago. Yesterday, Ben and I worked together delivering a beneficial service to other business men and women. To have good company is agreeable while one works. We discussed Odysseus and Homer as we worked. Homer speaks to us in the 21st Century. Each of us is Odysseus, making our way home. I think of the circle of friends that meets weekly at Taste of Paris to talk philosophically–some drink wine and others drink coffee in the back dining room. Finally I think of interesting places that I have visited recently. Bardstown Road in Louisville Kentucky is such a place, exuding vibrancy, — the promise of newness.
