I remember wearing the Snoopy watch my Grandparents gave me.
Grabbing some foil packs of baseball cards at the annual Thanksgiving flea market.
Watching the old reel to reels with my family of holidays long passed.
I remember the red Lava Lamp on the credenza.
My brother and I watching it and being mesmerized.
I remember sitting with the adults watching the traditional football games on the tweed couch in the living room
The smell of the pines as we drove up to my Great Aunt and Uncle’s house in New Jersey for the long holiday weekend.
I remember the hospitality.
The food.
I remember the tradition.
Three generations of family all gathered for a weekend of gratitude.
I doubt anyone knew how all of this would impact a kid.
I doubt anyone knew that I would remember.
But here I sit 30 years later,
Locked into that memory.
Like it was last Thanksgiving.
Still impacted.
Still grateful.
Too often we get wrapped up in life.
Wrapped up in the getting.
The acquiring.
The quest.
The goals.
It’s okay,
As long as it matters.
As long as it has personal value.
It is a reminder that life ticks away like the hands on that Snoopy watch.
Moments are gone before we can blink.
So are the ones we hold dearest.
Holidays and special days come but once a year.
Life comes every day.
Let’s not forget why we are here.
To enjoy the experience of life.
To enjoy it with the people that matter the most to us.
We weren’t created for stress, overwhelm, and burnout.
As you celebrate your Thanksgiving this year, just remember…
As small or large as your gathering might be…
There is someone yearning for the life you have.
Desperate for meaningful connection.
Don’t take it for granted.
It will all be gone one day.
When it is,
Will you have the priceless memories?
I encourage you to stay in gratitude today and every day.
I encourage you to be joy, peace, happiness and freedom for someone in your life.
It will return to you.
I promise.
Happy Thanksgiving.