The Simplicity and Beauty of Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  Contrary to popular opinion, the first Thanksgiving really wasn’t about Native Americans and the Pilgrims bonding and sharing each of their respective delicacies.  And I doubt that the Pilgrims had big shiny belt buckles that matched their glossy shoes with smaller matching but equally shiny buckles.

The truth is the Pilgrims sought a new land where they could freely practice their devotion to God and to follow the laws of their God.  They recognized that all they possessed was a gift from their Maker and that they should take the time to be thankful.

This is the essence of Thanksgiving.

It still is.

I enjoy the simplicity of Thanksgiving.  Families gathering to spend time together and to focus at least for a day, upon all that they have instead regretting what they don’t have or fretting over what they aspire to have.

At times we are all probably guilty of feeling sorry for ourselves because we don’t have something that we want but don’t necessarily need.  And that’s ok I suppose.  It is after all the culture that we are brought up in – to achieve something that our parents didn’t; to help our children achieve something that we can’t or won’t.

But Thanksgiving is a time to exhale.  Look around you.  Look at your loved ones.  Look at who you are and what you are because of them.  Think about what you have instead of what you don’t have.

Several years ago on a brisk and refreshingly bright early Thanksgiving eve, I walked outside alone.  The air was still, and the black sky was littered with twinkling stars.  Along the horizon the moon peeked through a cloud – the only cloud in the sky.

The wind was still, and every molecule of my breath was clearly visible against the backdrop of the dark sky and barren trees. It was one of those fleeting times when you soak in the beauty of a quiet, private moment. In a way it creates buoyancy, and you can almost feel a weight lift from your shoulders.

Eventually, the chill of the night began to grip me, and I retreated to the warmth of my sister’s home.  Somehow after a peaceful timeout under a dark autumn sky I felt more appreciative of that home and certainly my sister who has always been there for me – in some ways she has been my Plymouth Rock.

Today as I sit and share this reflective moment with you, I’d simply like to say thanks to you too.  Thanks for considering my opinions even if we disagree. Thanks for visiting RSR.  Our journey has exceeded 22 years now and God willing, there will be many more to come.  I’m happy you’ve at least taken in part of the journey with us and I’m hopeful that you will stay the course with us into the future.

With that said, a recent and incredibly tragic event that has rocked the world of a dear friend, reminded me and everyone who knows and loves her, that tomorrow isn’t promised. Life can change in an instant. I’m sure you’ve seen or experienced that on some level. Despite her pain that I can’t even begin to comprehend, she encouraged me and my wife to always be sure to keep our kids close. I’ll never forget those words.

Enjoy your moments on Thanksgiving. Look around you at the family gathering. Soak it in. Take pictures. Open your heart. Let a hug linger a little longer. Tell your family and friends how you feel. Don’t let those moments escape you because the next one is never guaranteed, never promised.

Let the wonder of this special Holiday capture you in all ways. Surrender to it. You won’t regret it, and you won’t forget it.

And then as the day winds down, maybe the Ravens will tame those tigers into kittens and make the day 100% purrrrrrfect.

Here’s to you and yours.

God bless!

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/11/26/lombardis-way/thanksgiving-2025/