Thanksgiving 2008 594.5
Hurray for Thanksgiving!
It’s turned into a lot more than recognizing the historical significance of the Pilgrims’ celebration a few centuries ago.
It’s about taking time out from our daily trials and tribulations to acknowledge and honor the things every one of us has to be thankful for.
Every year, my wife and I rent a huge tent and put it in our backyard so we can house a feast for as many of my nine brothers and sisters and their immediate and extended families as we can assemble. We never have everyone present anymore as the married nieces and nephews take turns between the Josephson Thanksgiving and one given by their in-laws.
But the continuity and fluidity of our large family is always evident.
Inevitably, some are bearing the burdens of a personal tragedy while others are savoring joyous occasions – marriages, graduations, births – hardly a year goes by without at least one new baby. Whatever is going on, it’s soul-nurturing to share with the family and pause to fill our cups with gratitude for all the blessings of our lives.
Usually, an unruly clan of about 50 feasts on dozens of dishes including the highlight – my special onion-laced mashed potatoes.
Making 30 pounds of potatoes is a major project and a family tradition. My four daughters join me in cleaning, mashing, and of course taste-testing. (There’s no peeling since I leave the skins on). Most important, we always use my mom’s beat-up, pink-handled potato masher. This gives me a chance to talk about the terrific grandma my children never met.
I grunt and groan and complain and lament as much as anyone, but when I force myself to shut off all those annoying voices in my head and talk with my heart, I realize I love and am so grateful for my life.
Yes, I worry about keeping the Institute afloat in these dire economic times and I keep toying with the idea of retiring from the daily task of writing these commentaries so I can get more than four hours of sleep a night. But the simple truth is, I am fortunate beyond words. I love the opportunity to impact lives through these commentaries. It’s a gift more than a burden, and my relationship with you is one of the things I’m grateful for.
Most of all, I marvel at how lucky I am to have a smart and beautiful best friend who’s also my wife. And I am so thankful that I have the blessing of being a dad to five children who make every day an adventure.
Your list may have different items, but I bet it’s just as long.
This is Michael Josephson, one very thankful guy, wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and reminding you that character counts.
Comments
I have 76 years and don't know what the word retire means. I am grateful to you, Michael Josephson, for inspiration that has led me to encourage preschool teachers to include character education in their lesson planning. They agree that the sooner taught, the better remembered and put into action. We have a more loving, caring people because of your leadership; we are thankful for you.
Posted by: Bettie | November 28, 2008 2:54 AM
Thank you for taking the time and energy to share your commentaries. I may not always agree with every comment but do appreciate your insights and dedication to character building. I appreciate your moral basis and feel that your pillars are supported by the vast majority if not all religious faiths. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Randy Estes | December 1, 2008 9:30 AM
Thank you for bringing the pillars to the schools and the educational institutions. The other day I was reading the newsletter and perusing your website more intently than normal when it occured to me that your pillars are the same pillars my 8-year-old speaks of daily. She just moved to a new school this year and has earned 3 of 6 of the pillars this year for which she is most proud. Her new school is using the same pillars you speak of to guide this new generation and I am grateful to you for helping the schools with such tools and foundation. It also felt good to tell my 8-year-old that I knew you. ( A little selfish I know). Thank you Mr. Josephson, thank you.
Posted by: Shenia Ivey | December 1, 2008 11:49 AM
This was a good reminder that it's not easy or quick for you to make these. I thank you very much for your hard work and dedication to the CC Project.
Your messages have gone viral in my family as we keep spreading them wider and wider, all across the country and the world, through email.
Posted by: T Hill | December 3, 2008 12:17 PM