As many of us prepare for the holiday season with Thanksgiving this week (and Christmas right behind!), it's a good time to reflect on the many things we're thankful for this year. Perhaps you're most thankful to be gathering with friends and family for the first time in a long time, or maybe you're thankful for a new job (or keeping your old one) after a period of uncertainty. Whatever it is you are thankful for, it's so important to take time to remember and be grateful. It's also important to recognize that there are many around us who are still dealing with sadness, uncertainty, and other difficulties that make the holiday less celebratory, and more of a reminder of what isn't going well. That's why it's so important to give back. Whether it's through a community organization, a local ministry, or on your own, here are some ways you can pay the blessings forward this Thanksgiving season:
Donate your time. Taking a few hours to serve at a local shelter, help pack boxed Thanksgiving dinners for families in need, or making extras of your own Thanksgiving feast to deliver to shut-in neighbors are just a few simple means of spreading some love during the days leading up to Thanksgiving day.
Feeding Bodies = Feeding Souls. A good, hot meal is always welcome to those who are accustomed to going without, but this is especially true on Thanksgiving. Many food pantries tend to run low on items at this time of year, but if you're willing to step up, they don't have to! Organize a food drive in your neighborhood to collect canned foods and dry goods, or provide grocery gift cards for your local shelter. This helps them increase their stock of items on the shelves, and make it possible for more families to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner of their own. You'll fill bellies and brighten spirits with your kindness!
Look ahead. Because Christmas follows so closely behind Thanksgiving, now is a great time to look for opportunities to serve others through holiday events and organizations. There are many programs that let you "adopt" a child or a family for the Christmas season to provide gifts and/or a holiday meal. Many homeless ministries are looking for extra hands for a variety of projects around this time of year. Fundraising for your local charities, or simply going out caroling with a group of friends is a wonderful way to spread cheer this season.
We encourage you to take time this holiday to reflect on the many ways we've been blessed this year, and look for opportunities to pay it forward to those around us.