The origin of “Thanksgiving” makes one consider it more of an American rather than a religious holiday. Holidays such as President’s Day or Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday or even Independence Day are American holidays because their observance references the History of the American experience.
However, every holiday, to some degree, brings its own flavor as our reflections try to embrace the spiritual essence of their existence. Memorial and Veteran’s Day are prime examples. They are not just holidays where we acknowledge military participation, but have become, for many, religious in nature because our emotions are uniquely tied to our belief. Thanksgiving seems to follow this same pattern. As we travel to meet with family members for dinner and contact loved ones by telephone or mail, we tend to garner a sense of thankfulness on several different levels.
We are thankful for health, for family and for life. We are thankful for many of the things that we may not pay attention to otherwise. It is hard for us, believers and non-believers alike; to escape this sense of appreciation which I believe is spiritual in nature.
Also, Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful holiday that invites family members to be together in spite of an individual’s religious status – which is a good thing. I believe that this coming together is something to be thankful for.
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