Finding Common Ground: Thanksgiving as a Bridge in Divided Times

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's a chance to connect. In a time when people are often divided, taking a moment to appreciate what we have can bring us together. This idea isn't new. Long ago, in 1621, people from different backgrounds came together to celebrate a successful harvest. They shared food and gratitude, showing that even with differences, people can find common ground. Years later, during a difficult period in American history, a leader named Abraham Lincoln suggested a day of thanksgiving. He didn't focus on winning or losing. Instead, he encouraged people to recognize the good things they had, like fertile land and clear skies. This was a way to unite people when other things were tearing them apart. Today, we face our own challenges. Families and communities are divided over many issues. Some people are struggling with job losses and hunger. It's easy to retreat into our own worlds and only talk to those who think like us. But Thanksgiving can be a reminder that we all have things to be grateful for, no matter our differences. This year, consider making Thanksgiving a time to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. At the dinner table, ask everyone to share something they're thankful for. It could be something big or small. This simple act can help us remember that we all have blessings and reasons to hope. Thanksgiving isn't about pretending we agree on everything. It's about recognizing that before we are anything else, we are human beings capable of gratitude. We are part of families and communities that need each other. By focusing on our shared blessings, we can find unity even in difficult times.