Thoughts and feelings about American History are varied to say the least.
What is fiction, what is fact? What is right, what is wrong?
Honestly, I will be wrestling with the complexity of our country’s history for the rest of my life.
But what I do know for certain is I cannot change the past.
But whatever is true, as shameful as some of our history might be, at the core, I believe in America.
This is where I was born, this is where I live, and as a taxpayer, this is the “team” I’m invested in.
Most importantly, I believe the ideals of the country are of the highest pursuit.
Pursuit being the key word.
Are we there yet? NO.
Are we much further along than we have ever been? YES.
Will we get to “perfect?” Most likely NOT but our constant pursuit will get us to excellence.
I’m afraid there’s no perfect where there’s people involved. Expecting so is an exercise in futility.
But our pursuit of “perfection” must remain relentless and we must continue to believe in BETTER - bettering ourselves, bettering our households, bettering our communities, states & country and ultimately, the world.
This brings me to THANKSGIVING.
Yes, the circumstances surrounding the beginning of this long-held tradition aren’t exactly pleasant.
However, the idea behind GIVING THANKS, whether on one day or every day, I believe, is imperative to a life of perspective, and sustained JOY. It’s a time set aside to be contemplative about what we DO have, not what we don’t. And I’m all FOR this practice. It’s time well spent.
(BTW, NOT having something, sometimes, is better than having it.)
I’m sure there’s a study somewhere but I’d be curious to know what percentage of time humans, specifically Americans, think about what they DO or DON’T have? My sense is the answer would be sadly predictable and land more often on what we don’t have over what we do. I’d also be curious to know, has this has always been the case? And, when did it change? OR, is this just the human condition?
So where do you stand?
When it comes to THANKS, are you a giver or a taker?
Don’t fret, if you don’t like your answer, you always have the choice to change.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours – let’s continue to PURSUE together.
P.S. Next week I’ll be “off the page” as I spend time giving thanks, and with family & friends.