The Thanksgiving Sermon

Good Morning Gentle Readers,

Ambrose Bierce defined turkey as follows.....

A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries, has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude.

To be sure, roast turkey (or Kahlua pig, tamales, canned ham with pineapple and maraschinos, or Grandma's cranberry salad) is absolutely central to this uniquely American celebration of piety and gratitude. 

But the lavish meal, symbolizing the harvest, the change of season, and the reward of labor well spent, is just one component of this unpretentious day. It is also incumbent upon us, as we gather with family and friends to break bread and share wine, to give thanks for the many blessings we have enjoyed.

On this day of thanksgiving, we would also do well to remember that billions suffer oppression, violence, and poverty. Few have heard of Thomas Jefferson's vision for a free people. Most are immersed in cultures where concepts of liberty, tolerance, and freedom have little meaning. It is a mere accident of birth that finds us at the Thanksgiving table table consuming more calories in one meal than the average Ethiopian does in two months.

And for those who don't feel especially blessed this Thanksgiving consider that.....

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.  No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.

On a personal note, I am especially grateful to my clients because I earn my living in an agreeable way. I am grateful, also, to friends and family for your friendship, your love, and your kindness. And to you, Gentle Readers, who take time out of your busy day to drop by the website every so often. Thank you.

From Casa de las Rocas Grandes, may your Thanksgiving be filled with good wine, good food, good company and a couple of Kodak moments.

Salud!

As Always,

The Wine Commonsewer

Comments

[Lisa Snell]

Happy Thanksgiving honey.

[Pintofstout]

Another righteous sermon Rev. TWC. Preach it, brother.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Brianp]

Happy Turkey Day TWC

[Cap'n NoStar]

Give the House Blonde and That Boy hugs so I can live vicariously through you.

Great children are a blessing to be thankful for.

[TWC]

Thanks, Mrs TWC, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without you.

Pint, I appreciate the kind words, Brah.

Brian, your friendship is, well, lifelong.

Cappy, thanks so much. I appreciate you and your friendship.