As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, we must all take time to
think on what we are thankful for. It is not something to be proud of that we
must have a day during which we consciously express our gratitude; gratitude
and thankfulness should, of course, be expressed all year round. But as
Thanksgiving is in fact a reality, it would do only further harm to our
consciences if we were to not take it seriously.
We
all have many things to be thankful for. Often, we do not realize the wonderful
things we have until they are taken from us, but if we are aware of the
miracles and wonders that are a part of our daily lives, routines, and
thoughts, we won’t have to wait for our blessings to be taken away for us to
realize the gifts we have been given.
If
you find yourself at a bit of a standstill in your efforts to acknowledge the
thankfulness that I promise is within
you somewhere, perhaps these quotes from the new movie Lincoln will help prompt
your mind to remember all the things in your life that are worth smiling for.
“Abolishing slavery settles the fate for all coming time, not
only of the millions in bondage but of unborn millions to come. Shall we stop
this bleeding?”
“We are
stepped out upon the world stage now, with the fate of human dignity in our hands.”
—Abraham
Lincoln in LINCOLN
Are
we not thankful that brave men such as Abraham Lincoln had the courage and
strength of heart to adjust the social and moral fate of our country forever?
Are we not thankful that, despite the formidable opposition that any
revolutionary faces, our heroes are fierce and unyielding even as they make
terrible sacrifices? Are we not thankful that due to one man’s powerful words
and will, and countless others’ support and work, a grave atrocity in our
country was corrected? Imagine what life would be like without equality as a
true guiding political principle. Imagine the price that a country and a world
of individuals have paid in the past when they are stripped bare of their
natural dignity.
On
a lighter note, we must also be thankful for Daniel Day-Lewis and his costars’
terrific acting performances in Lincoln. If you have not yet seen this new
movie, be sure to watch it when you have the chance. I, personally, am thankful
that I was able to hear Day-Lewis’ version of Lincoln speak. This man’s
eloquence, temperament, and intensely perceptive mind are beyond admirable.
Abraham
Lincoln had the fate of human dignity in his hands when he supported the death
of slavery. In our daily lives, it’s easy to think that we and the people
around us do not hold the same degree of power over humanity as a whole.
Honestly, most people do not. We do, however, have the power to
influence how others view themselves and the things around them. We constantly impact everything around us. It can be difficult to realize in
the heat of the moment, but tone of voice, body language, and even silence have significant effects on what goes on around us. This Thanksgiving, be aware
of this reality. Know that you have the ability to make something better for
someone. Be thankful that you are aware of this wonderful power of yours. Know
that the people around you might not be aware of this—and be thankful that you
can help them see their own importance.
Here’s an example starter list to
help you remember the joyous and the bittersweet things for which you feel
gratitude.
I am grateful…
- · For a loving mother and father
- · For two wonderful dogs that remind me that there is always something to love, even after a ridiculously long day
- · For the marvelous invention called The Weekend, during which we may sleep in
- · For books and my imagination, because they remind me that anywhere, at any time, there are infinite worlds and people and places just waiting to be discovered
- · For friends who not only laugh with me but laugh at me
- · For Jane Austen, because she never fails to make me laugh
- · For artists like Degas, emotions like love, institutions such as charities, temples like Ta Prohm, and phenomena such as a sunset that prove that true beauty is eternal
At the time right before you go to
bed, at the moment you awake in the morning, or at any free point in your day,
spare a thought for the things you are grateful for. Feeling gratitude is no
weakness. Awareness of the things that you are thankful for is an amazing
ability that you should cherish. Just remember that when we are conscious and sincere, it is so
much easier to love.
Thank you,
Jordan
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