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Whether eating with family, a few friends, or alone; whether (over) indulging with favorite Thanksgiving dishes or heating up a frozen pizza; whether celebrating joyous news or grieving the absence of a loved one, Thanksgiving provides each one of us with an essential pause – a pause to recall the blessings, be they few or many, for which to be grateful.  And as illness, dissention, and societal anxiety continue to swirl around us, pausing to reflect upon those things in our lives which can bring a smile to our lips or heart seems more important than ever.

Allow me to offer an idea to try this Thanksgiving. Even if only briefly, determine a time during the day to turn off the depressing news, stop checking email, texting, or playing games on the phone, and mute the football game. Then, find a comfortable place to sit, choose an uplifting piece of classical music (here is one list of suggestions - https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/latest/happiest-pieces-classical-music/), play it loudly enough to fill the room, and - for just a few moments – concentrate on things in your life for which to be grateful: the love of family, or good health, or the beautiful weather, or a beloved pet, or a supportive Jewish community, or the opportunity to make a difference. Even during life’s most upsetting and troubling times, acknowledging reasons for gratitude is always possible.

In his most recent book This Grateful Heart, contemporary liturgist and poet Alden Solovy includes this timely and necessary reflection:

This Bounty (Alden Solovy, adapted)

God of abundance,
You have blessed me with Your bounty,
Your Presence, and the treasures of Your Creation.
In gratitude for these abundant gifts I enjoy, Holy One -
Bless me with wisdom
To use them with skill and good intention;
Bless me with humility
To use them with joy;
Bless me with a forgiving and giving heart
To use them generously;
Bless me with a curious mind and passionate spirit
To use them in service of our world;
Bless me with ample laughter and gentle speech
To help infuse holiness into Your world.
Help me to know and appreciate these blessings, God,
And I will honor Your bounty
With all my being.

Warm wishes to all for a healthy, safe, and happy Thanksgiving