After

Turkey Day has come and gone. We all feel our waistbands a little more accutely than we did a week ago. Homemade turkey soup, turkey sandwiches spread with cranberry sauce, and leftover stuffing with gravy are the menu in many a household accross America.

Sadly, to many people the idea of actually giving thanks has been lost in the event we call Thanksgiving.

Rather than spending quality time with our loved ones and relatives (sometimes those are actually the same thing even); we dovote our energies to turning on the Thanksgiving Parade (now shown on about 7 different networks simultaneously) and watching endless hours of college football. Rather than remembering the good things we have, and sharing with those who have less; we spend our time squabbling over who gets the drumstick and debating whether the stuffing or greenbean casserole is the best side dish. Rather than planning ways to make our world a better place; we plan which shopping mall we're going to hit first at the 'black friday' sales events.

Thanksgiving has become a holiday that is not so much about giving thanks, but is more just a turning point into the frenzy of conspicuous consumption that Christmas has become.

The origin of the word holiday (or 'holy day') lies in the idea that we should set aside time to remember or give reverence. Holidays were meant for God and family. What holidays have become is a reflection of the gods we have all chosen for ourselves... gluttony, greed, envy, sloth.... A generation ago - maybe less - those were things to be avoided. Now everyone knows that 'greed is good,' and envy is justified as just setting goals. Gluttony is acceptable as long as it's confined to designated dates and times... or the next trip through McDonald's drive thru. People take pride in putting in minimal effort - sloth has become a respectable work ethic. Pride, lust and anger have also taken up residence in our hearts, minds, and lifestyles.

During the next month or so, I think it would be fabulous if every person took some time - a day, a weekend, whatever - to reflect on their own priorities, their own values, and their own beliefs. Check in with yourself and see if your living up to your own expectations. If you are, fabulous!! But if you find yourself reveling in what you consider wrong thinking, wrong acting, and generally wrong attitudes, find a way to change course and put yourself back on the right track. And be thankful that you still have time to be the person you meant to be all along.