EMBRACING FAMILY
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Thinking back on the origins of Thanksgiving, it is interesting to note that much of what we consider “traditional” about it never transpired. The meat served was documented as “fowl” (possibly turkey, ducks, geese and swans). The Wampanoag brought deer. In lieu of stuffing for the fowl, the pilgrims probably had herbs, onions or nuts for added flavor.
But of course, the actual food items are far less relevant than what transpired. The colonists were indebted to the Native Americans for having helped them survive the harsh winter, and both groups wanted to share their abundant harvest with each other, give thanks, and celebrate.
Different races, different backgrounds, different beliefs, different ways of life, different religions. They came together. They shared gifts. They gave thanks.
In addition to our family and friends, with whom will we be celebrating Thanksgiving this year? Those who are like-minded and share our beliefs? Those of the same religion or political party?
Let’s challenge ourselves to make this pandemic Thanksgiving different for good reasons. Even if we cannot gather with many people due to COVID-19 restrictions, we can still reach out to others, bring them a favorite dish, talk with them.
Why not reach out to someone on your street or neighborhood that you do not know well or with whom you might not agree? What about our kupuna? Our houseless neighbors? Challenge yourself to share gratefully with someone you wouldn’t normally, even if that someone might not say thank you for your efforts.
Gathering only with our family for Thanksgiving does not honor the meaning of the first Thanksgiving. Strangers were invited to celebrate together. Their differences are what made the celebration so unique, so special. They brought the best of what they had so that they could share it with those who could have been perceived as the enemy. They valued the goodness in each other. They shared, celebrated and gave thanks for the gift of life and each other.
Different races, different backgrounds, different beliefs, different ways of life, different religions. They came together. They shared gifts. They gave thanks.
How will our COVID-19 Thanksgiving be different this year? With whom will we celebrate? Imagine if every reader of the Hawaii Catholic Herald were to reach out to someone new. How transformed our community would be! After you read this column, invite Jesus to your Thanksgiving celebration or bring blessings to him, while respecting pandemic restrictions of course.
It’s time to come together in gratitude, appreciating all that we share in common, while also appreciating the diversity which enriches our lives. Let’s remember the words of Maya Angelou in her poem “Human Family”: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
We’d love to hear from you: Did you invite someone new to share your Thanksgiving celebration or to whom did you reach out in gratitude?
If you have questions for us to address in “Embracing Family,” please email them to Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com and we would be honored to lift you up in prayer and respond, as well! If desired, you may remain anonymous.