Set aside for the moment any political angst about a holiday celebrated at the expense of multiple native American indigenous peoples, any consternation at a mythological retelling of a dubious “highlight” from America’s past, and even set aside the political miasma in which we now find ourselves that make some people dread what kind of Thanksgiving conversation/argument/war will break out when the family is all assembled around the filial/common/folk table.

What are we thankful for? I am speaking from the older, white, straight, male, educated, well-fed, well-sheltered, well-cared for, felony-free perspective, so… I am the last person to say to anyone else that they should be grateful. I do this not from my position of privilege, I merely pass this along from the gospel that shapes my life. As I read the prophets, the gospels, the letters of Paul, James, John, and Peter, I get the strong impression that our focus should be on praise and thanksgiving.

But is this where our heads and hearts are? Look at how we treat those on the margins. Look at the raw hatred and persecution of immigrants. Look at the ways we deny healthcare and adequate food to millions without a second thought. Look at a country enamored with gossip and drama about pedophiles, corrupt politicians, political soap opera, la bu bus, ballrooms, hostile rhetoric, and conspiracy theories. Our leaders are manipulating elections, denying environmental disaster, weaponizing food, shelter, health insurance, and telling us we are better off than we have ever been before.

How in the world can we simply step back to assess and celebrate what is rights and good in our lives? Could we allow this Thanksgiving to be infused with the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Could we allow love to triumph over hate, to entertain joy over anxiety and despair? Could we declare peace of heart, mind, and spirit before entering into meaningless and potentially damaging political debate? Can we be patient, especially with those who irritate or annoy us? Could our faith in God and ultimate goodness and truth allow us to be more kind and giving? Could we be gentle and exercise self-control, even when every fiber of our being wants to respond, reply, lash out, teach a lesson?

I live with chronic, constant, and often debilitating pain. Too often it takes over and I struggle to find any good in anything. But no matter what, I am blessed. I have people I love, who love me. I have plenty to eat and should actually eat better. I live in a house quickly becoming home, with the greatest woman and partner in the world, and a fairly fantastic old, fat, pushy cat. I have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and TWO FABULOUS GRANDDAUGHTERS that in no way do I deserve. I have more books than I can possibly read in my remaining lifetime (and I LOVE books. No, I am not using the term loosely. If I weren’t married to Barbara, I would be married to books…). I listen to music I love. I waste time watching movies and shows I enjoy (Stranger Things season 5, Death by Lightning, Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, an unending stream of MST3K/Rifftrax/Cinematic Titanic shows and shorts) and playing a couple addictive games on my phone. I live in a gorgeous span of the southern Smoky Mountains. Friends, I actually have NOTHING to complain about. Will this stop me? No, because I am creative. I can get indignant at politicians doing harmful and short-sighted things. I can get outraged and offended at hateful and hurtful things being done to the most vulnerable among us. I can rant and rail at just about anything, I am that good. So, will I stay focused on all that is good, and great, and wonderful, and encouraging, and inspiring, and life giving, and joy producing, and satisfying? No.

I need a Savior. But you know what? I have a Savior, and I honor this love/grace gift best when I look at what is right with the world and with my life instead of constantly allowing my self and my psyche to be derailed by all the crap going on in the world. Giving thanks? I realize, I can do a much better job.