Thanksgiving Day that year was beautiful: mostly sunny, with the high near 40. Glorious for Minnesota.
As I walked Candy, our Wheaton Terrier that afternoon, passersby seemed friendlier than usual. While I was breathing in the delicious aromas of neighbors' holiday dinners, a bright maroon van pulled into the driveway just ahead of me. The bumper sticker caught my eye. It was sky blue with white clouds-the signature Ben and Jerry's logo. "If It's Not Fun, Why Do it?" -Jerry Greenfield.
I was reminded of similar words of a friend years ago. He would only do, he said, what is absolutely necessary. Or what is fun.
While I don't always remember, whenever possible I try to apply that philosophy. Do what I need to, and what is fun.
On the walk, I also recalled a dream I had one summer while in Vermont's Green Mountains studying Native American spirituality. In it, I celebrated Thanksgiving with one of the Native Elders. When I told her of the dream the next day, "Oh yes," she smiled and said with a gleam of joy in her eye, "It is wise to give thanks every hour."
I don't always remember that advice either. But when I do remember, I pause, take a breath, and think about what I am grateful for.
Whatever you celebrate, this hectic holiday season, consider
Sunshine, friendly neighbors, even bumper stickers can be worth giving thanks for.