I’m Thankful!
By : J. David Chapman/November 29, 2024
Thanksgiving is upon us, marking the start of the holiday season in the United States. While the world around us shifts its focus to festive decorations, holiday music, and the excitement of Christmas celebrations, Thanksgiving itself offers us a moment of pause. It's an invitation to stop, reflect, and reconnect with a more profound sense of gratitude. Though our culture may associate this time with traditions like turkey dinners and football, Thanksgiving has a history rooted in togetherness, generosity, and giving thanks.
The holiday commemorates a 1621 harvest festival, where Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to share in a spirit of community and appreciation. Today, Thanksgiving still holds that essence—a time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. For me, these blessings fall into four categories: Faith, Friends and Family, Health, and Work. Let’s explore each one, understanding that gratitude in these areas not only enriches our holiday but also our daily lives.
Many of us find comfort, guidance, and peace through faith. This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the freedom to practice and live out that faith openly. My Christian faith, in particular, is a source of hope and resilience. The opportunity to worship, gather in fellowship, and share values with others of similar beliefs is something I never take for granted. Our nation, despite its complexities, still upholds the freedom to worship—something for which I am profoundly thankful. For all of us, whatever beliefs we hold dear, the ability to find spiritual solace and meaning is a blessing to cherish.
The notion of family has expanded in our mobile, modern world. Family may mean different things to each of us. For some, it includes an intimate circle of parents, children, and grandchildren. For others, family extends to cousins, nieces, and nephews. And for many, it goes beyond bloodlines, encompassing the friendships that form deep, lasting connections. These friendships often blur the lines of family and create chosen kin who support us, celebrate with us, and walk beside us through challenges.
The global pandemic altered our lives, challenged our routines, and reminded us of the precious nature of our health. It was a stark lesson in how often we take good health for granted. Today, I am thankful for my health and for those who work in healthcare. These individuals are dedicated to improving lives and supporting well-being.
For many of us, work is more than just a means to an end. It is an opportunity to contribute, connect, and grow. This year has presented unique challenges across industries, requiring us to be resilient, adaptable, and open to change. As someone who works in real estate and higher education, I’ve seen firsthand the transformations happening in both fields. Navigating through the ups and downs has been demanding, but I’m grateful for the journey, the learning, and the privilege of contributing to fields that shape lives and communities.
I am also profoundly grateful for the opportunity to share these reflections with you each week. Writing this column allows me to connect with you, my readers, in meaningful ways. I am reminded of the trust you place in me to bring insights, stories, and shared experiences, and for that, I thank you.
As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, may you take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life. May you find joy in the company of loved ones, strength in your health, and peace in your faith. And may we all carry forward a spirit of gratitude, remembering that in our fast-paced lives, there is always time to stop, reflect, and give thanks.
Dr. J. David Chapman is Professor of Finance & Real Estate at the University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).