With Thanksgiving approaching, I wanted to express my gratitude to all of you. In November twenty-six years ago, I came to this country knowing nothing about it’s customs and traditions, and Thanksgiving was the first American holiday that my family celebrated here.
I couldn’t then imagine the places I’d go, the people I’d meet, the decisions I’d make and the experiences I would have as a result of my move. But, at my first Thanksgiving table, I encountered the first of many blessings that have marked my journey here – the kindness of strangers that took us into their home and introduced us to turkey! And although the time we were together was short, I will carry the memories forever.
What I’ve come to love about this country is that my story is not unique. America is built by people who have come together from places that spread far and wide. And it is held together through the generosity of spirit and a common belief that our society is better when we reach out to one another and offer our best selves.
This week we may be more attuned to others – as the spirit of togetherness fills our homes. But if we pay attention, it's easy to notice that it is around us in ways big and small on any average day.
About a month ago I received an e-mail from someone who stumbled upon my website looking for career resources. He had some suggestions and helpful information that he wanted to share to better my site. Then, yesterday, he emailed again with another helpful resource.
This person is someone I’ve never met. Yet, he took the time to send an e-mail – a gesture that may seem small but has a big impact. The information he shared will be useful to others that visit my site in the future. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving.
Sometimes we don’t realize that helping one person helps many others whom we may never even meet. So, as you offer your Thanksgiving recipes to those you greet around your table on Thursday, remember that you are planting the seeds of gratitude that one day will be passed on to others.
I think it was Charlie Brown that summed it up best -- “the best things in life are meant to be shared.”
Pay it forward everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
I couldn’t then imagine the places I’d go, the people I’d meet, the decisions I’d make and the experiences I would have as a result of my move. But, at my first Thanksgiving table, I encountered the first of many blessings that have marked my journey here – the kindness of strangers that took us into their home and introduced us to turkey! And although the time we were together was short, I will carry the memories forever.
What I’ve come to love about this country is that my story is not unique. America is built by people who have come together from places that spread far and wide. And it is held together through the generosity of spirit and a common belief that our society is better when we reach out to one another and offer our best selves.
This week we may be more attuned to others – as the spirit of togetherness fills our homes. But if we pay attention, it's easy to notice that it is around us in ways big and small on any average day.
About a month ago I received an e-mail from someone who stumbled upon my website looking for career resources. He had some suggestions and helpful information that he wanted to share to better my site. Then, yesterday, he emailed again with another helpful resource.
This person is someone I’ve never met. Yet, he took the time to send an e-mail – a gesture that may seem small but has a big impact. The information he shared will be useful to others that visit my site in the future. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving.
Sometimes we don’t realize that helping one person helps many others whom we may never even meet. So, as you offer your Thanksgiving recipes to those you greet around your table on Thursday, remember that you are planting the seeds of gratitude that one day will be passed on to others.
I think it was Charlie Brown that summed it up best -- “the best things in life are meant to be shared.”
Pay it forward everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
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