In our fast-paced world, where challenges abound, and gratitude often takes a backseat, embracing the concept of “ThanksLiving” is more vital than ever.
My mentor, Grady Nutt, introduced me to this idea through his chapter “ThanksLiving” in a book of verse. The essence of ThanksLiving is not just about expressing gratitude on special occasions but living a life steeped in thankfulness every day.
Grady’s description of ThanksLiving as “an attitude that finds treasure in the plowed field of routine” resonates deeply — especially in current times.
We’re living in an era marked by significant challenges: political divisions, global pandemics, economic uncertainties, and social unrest. Amidst this turbulence, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of our daily routines, the quiet moments that bring us peace and stability. Yet, it’s in these routine aspects of life where we spend most of our time and where the seeds of gratitude can grow most abundantly.
In the United States, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s customary to pause and reflect on our blessings. This tradition is more important than ever in our politically divided landscape. However, as Grady often reminded me, true gratitude extends beyond a single day. He encouraged me to slow down and savor life’s journey, emphasizing that the small moments often give the larger ones their meaning. This wisdom holds true in all aspects of life, particularly in times of loss and grief.
The value of a single day or a fleeting moment becomes starkly clear when we lose someone dear to us. Warren Zevon, while battling cancer, poignantly advised David Letterman to “Enjoy every sandwich.” When my wife, Sheri, was dealing with the effects of terminal ovarian cancer, it was the quiet moments on our deck sipping coffee that brought more meaning to us than when we saw the Mona Lisa in the Louvre or strolled the beaches of Maui. This sentiment echoes in the lyrics of the hit song from my great friends, Diamond Rio, in “One More Day,” underscoring the importance of cherishing every moment.
These reflections remind us that every day, every experience, no matter how mundane, has inherent value and is worthy of our appreciation.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let’s do so with the spirit of ThanksLiving. Let’s make gratitude a daily practice, not just a yearly ritual. In challenging times, adopting a ThanksLiving mindset can be transformative. It encourages us to find joy and meaning in our everyday lives, to appreciate the small things that often go unnoticed, and to maintain a sense of hope and positivity despite the difficulties we may face.
Grady Nutt beautifully encapsulated this sentiment when he wrote that ThanksLiving is about holding “a cup to the water of life…and drinking the mystery of ‘being’ with zest.”
This approach is more than just a philosophy; it’s a way of life that can help us navigate the complexities of our modern world. By embracing ThanksLiving, we open ourselves to a deeper appreciation of life’s simple pleasures, the resilience to face its challenges, and the ability to find joy and meaning in every moment.
Let’s not limit our gratitude to this single day. Let’s strive to live in a state of constant thankfulness, embracing the everyday miracles that surround us. By doing so, we can transform not only our own lives but also positively impact those around us, fostering a more empathetic, understanding, and connected world.
