Thanksgiving every day of the year

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of

all other virtues.”

-- CICERO

“Are you still thankful?” I asked the woman as she rang up my

groceries.

“I am thankful each and every day. God has been so good to me,”

she replied. “I really appreciated our discussion the day before

Thanksgiving when you came in. I had just waited on two unhappy

women; one was angry that she couldn’t find a place to park, and the

other was upset about the long lines in the store. But then I waited

on you, and you were so kind to ask about my family.”

I recalled our conversation and told her some of the enjoyable

conversations I’d had outside and inside the market before I reached

her register that day.

While I was outside, I saw several different tables with people

eating. I went to a table with a woman I recognized who sat with two

boys. I spoke with them and asked the boys what they were thankful

for.

“I’m thankful for my family, for food, fun and for God,” the first

boy quickly answered.

“I’m thankful for ice cream and for freedom,” said the second boy,

sitting up straight. “One of my friend’s dads is fighting for freedom

and we pray for him every night, and for lots of other people too.”

I told them both that they had great answers, to keep praying, and

to enjoy their holiday. Even though it was chilly outside, their

answers made me feel warm inside.

Then I walked past a table where three girls with long blond hair

were sitting. One of them looked familiar. I asked what they were

thankful for this year.

“I’m thankful for my family and my country,” the first one said.

“Me too, and also for vacation,” said the second.

The third one smiled and said, “I’m thankful for my parents; I

finally realized they’re not out to get me, but they are for me.”

“Wow, that’s wonderful,” I said, and then asked how old they were.

They were each 14 years old. I thanked them for their answers and

as I went on into the market I prayed for more teenagers and parents

to get along.

Once inside, I asked the man at the service deli what he was

thankful for. He stopped humming, thought a moment, and answered: “At

my age, I’m thankful everyday that I wake up at all. I have a

wonderful wife and family and get to wait on customers like you.”

My husband and I then enjoyed times with family over the

Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and the highlights were sharing thanks.

The actual day of Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I have an inner

thankfulness that is sweeter than homemade pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving is more that a meal, and it’s more than a day. Giving

thanks is a way of life.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.