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I’m not sure how it happened so quickly, but the holiday season is not only upon us, it’s in full gear! The Thanksgiving holiday is certainly one of my favorites. There’s friends and family and food – and in abundance. We laugh and play games, talk about the status of where we are in life and I indulge in stories that seem to grow larger each holiday season. It’s also the time of the year I always say ‘I’m going to be disciplined and not overeat this time!’ And then I stuff myself fuller than the turkey!
Even so, there are always plenty of leftovers that we seem to feast off of for the entire week. And for some unknown reason, these leftovers always seem a lot better than the normal ones, as if the turkey tastes better coming out of the fridge the second time than the store the first… or could it be the gravy and sweet potatoes that surround it?
One of the traditions in my family is that the day after Thanksgiving is the day the Christmas tree goes up (it might not get decorated, but it goes up!). And nature, how bout that? Wow. Here in Colorado the pine trees are green, the forest floor is brisling with chipmunks and squirrels, with birds and other creatures hastily preparing their winter homes. Everything, it seems, is bright and alive and the energy is euphoric.
That’s one reality. The reality I am blessed to live. But there’s also another reality we must not forget – the one that so many other people live. That’s the reality of not having friends, family or food. That’s the reality of having no meal for Thanksgiving, let alone any thoughts of feasting off of leftovers.
We know these people as ‘the poor’ and Jesus said we’d always have them with us. But I don’t think he says that so we can accept it and move on, unfazed by it. I think he says it so that we’ll always be mindful that no matter what our reality, there is another one just as real. And so those of us who ‘have’ need to be mindful of those who ‘don’t.’
In your area is a food bank or two. The folks working there will tell you that for ten bucks you can buy a turkey that will provide for ten meals. Think of that – ten meals! That’s a pretty good return on your investment.
I was thinking of this the other day as I heard a plea over the radio from a local food bank. I knew I had saved a little ‘cigar money’ and that cigars, though a passion of mine, certainly fall under the category of a ‘luxury item.’ I quickly calculated how many meals that would buy and opted to take the high road. I gave the cash and am fairly certain the thought of how many people will be blessed by it will far outweigh anything I would have experienced spending it on myself.
Does this make me a saint? Well, you know what…I think it might. And I think it could do the same for you, too. So this holiday season, whether for Thanksgiving or Christmas, provide what you can to a local food bank and join with your fellow humanity in celebrating abundance in a season of celebrating life! If you don’t know where your local food pantry is, you can look here and here.
Blessings and Happy Holidays all!! – except the turkeys, to whom I offer my deepest condolences.
4 comments to “Thanksgiving: Left Overs vs. Left Out”
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I am considered one of the working poor. Too see what the reality is like here is a link to a article and video that was done last year about our family situation, not much has changed. http://cookingupastory.com/the-growing-face-of-modern-hunger-in-america
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Well said, as usual, Tim.
I’ve often realized that, sooner or later, in one way or another, the preferential option for the poor is a reality that will be a consolation to everyone of us without exception.
And you know what, Tim? You are a saint. Be one Monday Night, too, when we play New England!
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Thanks for this post, Tim. Most reading online have net access to go with cable, phone and certainly food/water, shelter and clothing AND transportation and income as well as a variety of networking within our communities (mail service, newspaper/mag subscriptions).
The possibilities are endless for many of us.
It’s much appreciated to hear that other reality which is poverty of material things.
I am so happy to go to the library and to see that many of the poor can enjoy the bounty that we share thru this public service. This can help with finding very important info for daily living as well as further enrichment of the knowledge that is the joy of learning. What a boon! AND the ability to apply for jobs online. Giving your hour or so of online access to someone behind you who could use it … by accidentally on purpose not logging off. There are many ways to share what we have that don’t even involve parting with money. Finding ways can be fun.
And then donating money and supplies and hand-me-downs to local charities on top of that. I recently found out that the Salvation Army bellringer can now take debit/credit cards.
Many people have lost jobs, foreclosed and gone homeless this year who never imagined such a fate for themselves as well as their spouses and children and perhaps parents relying on them.
What a timely post. Let’s share our bounty with ALL just as our Oneness with All inspires us to.
Happy Thanksgiving, Tim.