Thanksgiving weekend has come to a close and many of us took time to reflect on all the things we are grateful for.  It is understood that Turkey reminds us to be thankful for our blessings. And when we give thanks, do we give thanks for the changes and the challenges... the wins and the losses?

Turkey has given it all so others may live in abundance.  Turkey gives for the joy of giving.  Turkey is a fierce protector of home and loved ones. Turkey understands that life is always changing, and nothing is ever permanent. Can we learn to love what we have and work hard to make everything in our lives matter?

Turkey symbolism challenges me in a big, big way.  

I have started to look at my dirty dishes as signs of abundance.  The laundry pile too.   And the electric bill.  They are concrete reminders that I have food and clothes and heat.  Why continue my grumbling habit when I sit to pay bills?  

Why critique myself in the mirror?  Aren't those extra pounds a sign of abundance?  Why stay irritated when there is so much more to focus on?  

What about giving with a whole heart, no strings attached?  Giving with no expectation of receiving?

So much has happened the last few years.  So many losses and they seem to keep coming.  Can I greet my challenges and losses with gratitude knowing that it may take years for me to understand where they are leading me?  

And do I protect myself the way Turkey would protect loved ones?  And I standing up for others and also myself? 

And if I can't do all of these things that Turkey inspires, then may I locate and clear the incident trauma that influenced me.  Say a prayer for me friends, I am working hard. 

--P.S. 

This photograph is from an actual turkey that broke my 2nd story office window in midtown Raleigh a few years ago.  Glass was embedded in the wall!  (S)he flew off unharmed!  I have never, ever seen a turkey in the city before or since but I am grateful for the powerful, powerful message that I am still trying to grasp.