Thanksgiving

Some Crabby Pants I know were crabbing earlier today about the “holiday season.”

First of all, if none of you experienced more than two of the following:

• A broken heart
• A long hard cold look in the psychological mirror
• A miscarriage
• An arrest
• Closed a beloved business
• Lived more than a month without a garbage disposal
• Lost “secure” employment
• Probation officer assignment
• Ego-fueled shenanigans by city “officials”
• Serious financial problems
• Serious home problems (like black mold in the wall)
• Serious legal problems
• Serious medical problems
• The realization that you are the miserable bastard
• Visits to more than one different courtroom

this year, I say, “Shut the hell up.” 

Those who have experienced more than two of the above need good cheer more than anything else.  Those who have experienced some or all of the above in a condensed period of time (say, all of the above within five months) get the rest of the year off to recover.

Second of all, if what you are crabbing about is the rampant commercialism, that is called “capitalism” and I agree with you.

The Holiday Season (however you celebrate) is a time when everyone stops, takes a breath, turns to their loved ones and says, “That was a real bitch but I’m glad we’re still here.  Together.” or “I’m so glad you stuck by me through all of that.” or “If it hadn’t’ve been for you, none of this would’ve ever happened.  But I am thankful nonetheless.”  As the Pastor’s Wife says, “A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in our Savior in the midst of trials and tribulations.” 

In other words, it is only by grace that we survive the vagaries of both Life and the human heart.  Allow us revel in it without your snark.  Please.

Whether it be a new job (or barely keeping the one you have); a new home (or barely keeping the one you have); a new relationship (or barely keeping the one you have); a new family member (or barely keeping the ones you have), we all have something for which to be thankful.  That, to me, is what the Season of Light is all about:  We count our blessings and give each other a hug because Lord knows, Darkness will fall again soon enough.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all.