Thanksgiving 2015

National Thanksgiving is celebrated as a statutory holiday in most of Canada on the second Monday in October.

“While some researchers state that "there is no compelling narrative of the origins of the Canadian Thanksgiving day", the first Canadian Thanksgiving is often traced back to 1578 and the explorer Martin Frobisher. Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean, held his Thanksgiving celebration not for harvest but in thanks for surviving the long journey from England through the perils of storms and icebergs.” Wikipedia

Being thankful means more to me then just saying ‘Thanks’. I must be mindful at all times of what others are doing that make my life as comfortable as it is, of my dependence on others for my existence. I must be thankful for those things in my life over which I had no control but brought me to where I am today. I must honour those who through their personal interactions with me , have helped me to realize who I can be.

And so on this Thanksgiving . . . .

I’m mindful of my dependence on the vagaries of the global climate to fill my refrigerator.

I’m mindful of all the people around the globe who are a necessary component in producing what I eat and wear.

I am thankful that through an accident of birth I don’t have to fear not waking up in the morning because a bomb has levelled my home.

I am thankful for family and friends who surround me with love.

I am thankful for the opportunity to share what I have with those who are less fortunate.

I am honoured to know those people who in the past year who have engaged with me in considering some of our deepest thoughts and questions.

I am honoured by each of you every time this blog is read.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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NUDGINGS: a journey into the unknown

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