By Rev. Shannon White
By now, many of us are resting after having spent some period of giving thanks. For some, that day included watching football, eating way too much, visiting with relatives near and far, or doing some kind of service. For many, this day is the shifting of gears toward the holiday gift-giving season. But let’s not get too much ahead of ourselves. Let’s pause for a bit longer to give a word of thanks.
Thank you. They are some of the most generous words we can offer to others. To whom and for what are you grateful this season? Here’s the beginning of my list:
Thank you to family and friends who see us, accept us, and love us just as we are, fully human, flawed and still in the process of growing up.
Thank you to grandparents and other who hold the stories of our histories, and who have seen and experienced far more than we can imagine.
Thank you to aides, doctors and nurses, caregivers, hospice workers and other service providers who care for those who are sick and aging. You are angels in flesh.
Thank you to everyone (200 people) who came out for the First “Better Tomorrow” vigil for mental health and addiction awareness; it was a hopeful statement about the support and advocacy by people here in town for those who suffer.
Thank you for the countless hours of dedicated service which volunteers, staff at the YWCA and the Greenwich Police Department spend assisting victims of Domestic Violence here in town. Having participated in the advocacy certification training through the YWCA this month, I am deeply moved and impressed by the quality of care and comprehensive array of services which are provided to all, free-of-charge.
Thank you to the concession staff at Tod’s Point for having served the community so graciously throughout this past season. You rock!
Thank you for any efforts you have made, and continue to make, to care for our earth: recycling, composting, reducing your carbon footprint, installing solar panels, creating more green space, beekeeping. It’s important.
Thank you to all of those who had to leave their families on Thanksgiving to go to work so that others may eat in restaurants, fill our cars with gasoline, be treated at the hospital, or go shopping.
Thank you to all groundskeepers, gardeners, landscapers in town for your hard work throughout the year. Your work makes our community more beautiful.
Thank you to all of the journalists who worked so hard, especially during election season to get important news to us, and who continue to ask questions of people from whom we need answers (I know, I’m a former TV journalist!).
Thank you to all teachers, aides, childcare workers, custodians and administrators in our schools for the tremendous care and the unseen, unnoticed hours you give our children. You are gems and deserve recognition, especially during tough times.
Thank you to the mental health professionals who have been called upon to help us dig deep inside, heal and find resources for better living. May you find replenishment for yourselves.
Thank you to my multifaith clergy colleagues here in town for your friendship, your dedication to your congregations (nursing homes, hospital or houses of worship) and for your faithfulness. May you be renewed during this season in body, mind and spirit.
Thank you to my new puppy, who has upended my tight schedule and forced me to make space for more laughter and joy (and to pets of all species who do the same for their human companions).
Who and What would YOU add to the list. Why not reach out and say, thank you, to those in your orbit on this day? It makes a difference. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Rev. Shannon White is the Pastor for Spiritual Development at Round Hill Community Church. Rev. White has been ordained for 31 years in the Presbyterian Church USA and has served in 4 churches in Westchester and Fairfield Counties. She is also the author of The Invisible Conversations with Your Aging Parents, and a former TV news reporter.
