Sunday Musings – November 22, 2020
In the United States today begins a week which is normally devoted to preparation to either host Thanksgiving dinner or to travel to the home of family of origin or family of choice to celebrate a holiday known as Thanksgiving. For some it is another of those holidays about which one has mixed feelings. Certainly, many of us have much for which to be grateful. For others, gratitude has to be measured against the background of loses; small and profound losses related to the visit of covid-19, tragic losses because of addiction and other diseases which steal the soul of children, partners, friends and others; loses of political dreams or ambitions, and losses of historical illusions about who we are as a nation and as individuals.
I suspect that there are no individuals, families or groups whose gratitude has not been diluted by losses this year. Of course, loss can also be relative. While many mourn the loss of being able to safely gather and even to view each other without protective masks, others are mourning the loss of the ability to provide housing, food and other necessities for themselves and their families. While some see the swelling of their financial portfolios, others have exhausted their checking and savings accounts. Some managed to hang on longer because of the unemployment stimulus payments which they saved in case covid-19 continued to directly and indirectly affect income. For many those savings have long been spent.
Perhaps the most profound loss of all is the loss of ability by many to share divergent political and cultural views while maintaining mutual, even if begrudging respect. For some that is not an accurate statement. Many knew there was never any guarantee of respect; racism, sexism, homophobia, and other cultural and social constructs guaranteed expendability at the whim of politicians and others.
There is one group of “turkeys” which will be spared loss this Thanksgiving holiday; those 20 pound and larger turkey will not grace many family tables this year. Many families will celebrate with only the immediate family and, thus, share , at most, a 12-pound turkey; perhaps 15 pounds if some family members are particularly fond of leftovers. Other human turkeys who have failed to promote a more just, accepting and compassionate country , may find their exclusionary approach leading to their own exclusions from the so-called spoils of war.
Yet, given the reality of all the above, many of us will find much for which to give thanks this thanksgiving. More than anything we have seen the strengths and weaknesses of this nation. What we do with this knowledge will determine our future. How brightly we shine the light on our strengths and limitations will determine the extent of our spiritual growth as a nation and as individuals. We know that “knowing ourselves” – being forced to look at ourselves – is an essential gift necessary for spiritual growth. We have survived and now it is time to thrive. Thriving is possible but only with courage, an acceptance of our strengths and limitations as humans and, of course a strong sense of humor.
Written November 22, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
In the United States today begins a week which is normally devoted to preparation to either host Thanksgiving dinner or to travel to the home of family of origin or family of choice to celebrate a holiday known as Thanksgiving. For some it is another of those holidays about which one has mixed feelings. Certainly, many of us have much for which to be grateful. For others, gratitude has to be measured against the background of loses; small and profound losses related to the visit of covid-19, tragic losses because of addiction and other diseases which steal the soul of children, partners, friends and others; loses of political dreams or ambitions, and losses of historical illusions about who we are as a nation and as individuals.
I suspect that there are no individuals, families or groups whose gratitude has not been diluted by losses this year. Of course, loss can also be relative. While many mourn the loss of being able to safely gather and even to view each other without protective masks, others are mourning the loss of the ability to provide housing, food and other necessities for themselves and their families. While some see the swelling of their financial portfolios, others have exhausted their checking and savings accounts. Some managed to hang on longer because of the unemployment stimulus payments which they saved in case covid-19 continued to directly and indirectly affect income. For many those savings have long been spent.
Perhaps the most profound loss of all is the loss of ability by many to share divergent political and cultural views while maintaining mutual, even if begrudging respect. For some that is not an accurate statement. Many knew there was never any guarantee of respect; racism, sexism, homophobia, and other cultural and social constructs guaranteed expendability at the whim of politicians and others.
There is one group of “turkeys” which will be spared loss this Thanksgiving holiday; those 20 pound and larger turkey will not grace many family tables this year. Many families will celebrate with only the immediate family and, thus, share , at most, a 12-pound turkey; perhaps 15 pounds if some family members are particularly fond of leftovers. Other human turkeys who have failed to promote a more just, accepting and compassionate country , may find their exclusionary approach leading to their own exclusions from the so-called spoils of war.
Yet, given the reality of all the above, many of us will find much for which to give thanks this thanksgiving. More than anything we have seen the strengths and weaknesses of this nation. What we do with this knowledge will determine our future. How brightly we shine the light on our strengths and limitations will determine the extent of our spiritual growth as a nation and as individuals. We know that “knowing ourselves” – being forced to look at ourselves – is an essential gift necessary for spiritual growth. We have survived and now it is time to thrive. Thriving is possible but only with courage, an acceptance of our strengths and limitations as humans and, of course a strong sense of humor.
Written November 22, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
RSS Feed