Embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving
It is when we do good unto others that friendship truly flourishes. Good deeds are the miracles of
love that allow us to experience unrivaled feelings in our hearts.
A good deed of this intensity was on the horizon in 1620, as a group of Pilgrims left England and began their journey toward America in pursuit of freedom. Besides the freedom they craved, they found compassion, fraternity and respect in their friendship with the Native Americans.
We cannot deny that throughout this nation's history, Divine Wisdom has shown us many moments of profound benevolence and His love for humanity. We know that in a complex society such as the one in which we live today, the opportunities to do something in favor of another are infinite, for we also comprehend that bread, clothing and a roof over our head are not the only elements that constitute human needs. Above all, spiritual solace nourishes our souls.
Day after day, we are given a new chance to benefit from God's work on Earth. However, very frequently we forget to include those around us in our plans. There are many things we can do for one another. .
Someone who is in despair, without good prospects for the future, gladly receives a word of comfort. And the benefit of silence is an effective aid in turbulent moments, when a person needs mental space to think and to meditate on her or his own.
Send a message of hope to those around you who see only dismay and chaos in their path. Though, do not forget to say "no" to those who make mistakes and are counting on your avail. Remember that being a helpful person and allowing others to know that they can always count on you is fundamental in times of abandon, difficulty and indifference.
We must remember and follow the Pilgrims' example. After moments of tremendous challenges, when they faced illness, hunger and even death, they accepted the Native American's assistance and learned their ways in order to survive.
When they overcame those obstacles and stabilized their lives, they did not forget those who had helped them through such dire circumstances. In recognition for their generosity, the Pilgrims invited the Native Americans to share in their abundance, - in a celebration of thanks that lasted for three days - sometime during the autumn of 1621.
We don't necessarily have to celebrate for three days, but to show our gratitude for those that extend us a helping hand is a great sign of the nobility of our being.
This Thanksgiving, gather with your family and friends. Thank God for the gift of life, for your family and the warm home that protects you, for the friends you can always count on, for the food that nourishes you, the health that gives you strength, the work that dignifies you, and the clothes that keep you warm. Thank Him for the opportunity to wake up every morning and try, once again, to follow His design.
Tribuna wishes everyone a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!
