Gratitude isn’t something we acquire on our own. It doesn’t happen at birth, but it’s likely to develop if, and it’s a huge if, adults teach children to say thank you and explain why it’s meaningful to others. Babies, toddlers, and young children are lovable and charming, but grateful they aren’t because they have no concept of the word or how to respond accordingly. Adolescence doesn’t exactly bring out gratefulness either as that time of trying to figure out how the world operates sometimes introduces less than charming behavior in pre-teens and teens. Ah, but with proper teaching and good examples, and sometimes while wanting to make a good impression, manners become part of the interaction among those we love and those we are getting to know.

Not only youngsters and teens need reminders, but sometimes adults too, particularly when frustration grows in long checkout lines which become quite common as we enter the holiday season. The health challenges we continue to experience in our world, and the differences of opinions concerning a plethora of topics also contribute to rather dour moods as we move through life. Surely the Thanksgiving Season can remind us to be grateful and to share our blessings with others. There’s nothing really controversial or arguable about that fourth Thursday in November that should cause negative responses from folks. It’s a day to gather together, recognize the goodness in our lives, give thanks for loved ones, and share in varied ways the joys of the season.

Thankfulness can be served up in generous portions right along with the delicious holiday food, pumpkin pie and happy memories of past holiday celebrations. Even if our celebration doesn’t quite live up to our expectations, the Norman Rockwell rendition is tough to duplicate, we can still experience warm fuzzy moments of gratitude. Thanksgiving is a beautiful time of year to remember and celebrate the family and friends who once gathered around our table, but who are no longer with us. We can light a candle in their honor, serve one of their favorite desserts, and recall their goodness. Yes, tears may happen, but recalling loved ones and the joys they brought to our lives is more than worth any sadness we may experience.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a beautiful lesson in focusing on the present without skimming over a wonderful celebration just to get to the next event. We’re certainly very aware that Christmas is the next holiday on the calendar, but it’s not in keeping with the holiday spirit or tradition to eliminate a day that honors our heritage and our need to acknowledge our gratitude for all we’ve received.

As we prepare to celebrate, may we remember to be kind and gracious, not just for the celebratory meal, but for many blessings that we receive and sometimes take for granted. May we find inspiration to help others in need, and may our thoughtfulness extend beyond the holiday season. Sometimes generosity in February is an even greater blessing to those who are hungry, cold or frightened.

Gratitude isn’t about glossing over injustices or situations that need changing. It challenges us to new awareness and appreciation. It lingers, transforming our lives and empowering us to share with others to help enrich their lives.