Thanksgiving is upon us. I find it challenging to actually slow down and soak in the meaning of an given holiday. It's not for a lack of trying. On some Veterans Day, I stop to reflect on soldiers of war and pray for peace. Yet it's not easy in the U.S. to really commemorate an occasion. Most around me just see these days as another day off. The newspaper is typically full of advertising for the special shopping to be had.

So with Thanksgiving, I am faced with another great chance to give thanks. I will try to give thanks and not just run around making my dish or just sit around stuffing my face. Let's see whether I succeed.