giving Thanks
This past week I have had wonderful Thanksgiving dinners with friends, too many, in fact… now that the actual week-end is here, I am “stuffed”, Not with the blessing of friendships, but with poultry, dressing and cranberry sauces. One can never have enough friends. I love my friends.
As I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. I counted my blessings, family, friends I absolutely delight in, the country I live in, its beauty, it changing seasons, and of course, life itself.
People, human beings, from wherever in the world all share the same skies, the same day to day challenges, what makes it different, is that each culture has its own way, and celebrate life with different holidays, and have different heroes and folklore. My father taught me that to be accepted, I had to first accept myself, AND, the ways of others. It wasn’t always about ME, but how I accepted life, lived it, and made my way, was indeed mine, and I needed to own my actions. RESPECT played a big part, if I didn’t understand, it was alright to ask, always with respect and an open heart.
Granted often food was involved, we considered it an honour to eat with friends, guests welcomed to our table, were always shown the utmost respect, and when out, there was always the reminder to be considerate of others.
Now we sit in restaurants, each at our table, or booth, the place can be packed with other diners, but not a glance is given, or a smile offered.
How is it in your “world” are you someone who is open to smiling and greeting a total stranger, if only briefly, with a sign of recognition that they are another “person” just like you….
Oyashikiri
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