Thanks and Thanksgiving

We say “thanks” often, reflexively, usually without much thought. And we love the Thanksgiving holiday as time spent with family, friends, food and football. We probably even take a moment during the day to acknowledge our bounty and good fortune with thanks. We know about gratitude and consider ourselves lucky when we tally all that we have to be grateful for. But have we turned a genuine appreciation for our blessings into shallow platitudes?

William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925, an American politician known for his persuasive speaking skills) offered another perspective, which actually caused me to stop and think. He added to my understanding of Thanksgiving; perhaps you will be similarly affected.