Thanksgiving: A Time to Reflect, Break Bread, and Give

Growing up, my wife and I were strangers to Thanksgiving. I spent my childhood in Trinidad, and she in Bulgaria - two cultures far removed from this American tradition. Yet, as immigrants, we’ve come to appreciate the holiday's deeper significance. It’s not just about turkey or pumpkin pie; Thanksgiving is about gratitude - a concept we naturally practice daily through our global experiences and upbringing.

Over the years, we’ve celebrated this holiday in many ways. My favorite part has always been the meal - not just the food but the sharing experience. One year, caught unprepared, I assumed we could go out for dinner, only to discover that most restaurants were closed. That Thanksgiving, we ate a breakfast-style meal, laughing at our oversight but cherishing the simple act of eating together.

What I’ve realized is that Thanksgiving - and most celebrations - aren’t truly about the food. They’re about the people around the table. From a Biblical perspective, Jesus taught us this by “breaking bread.” It wasn’t about the quality of the bread but the meaning behind the act: taking, blessing, breaking, and giving. This sacred tradition symbolizes how we are called to live - sharing our lives and blessings with others every day.

As someone who has spent much of my life traveling and often eating on the go, I’ve come to value the power of sitting down for a meal with family, friends, or strangers. Sharing a meal fosters connection, deepens relationships, and reminds us of our shared humanity.

This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting not just on what I am grateful for - my family, my friends, the love and support I’ve been blessed with - but also on those who may not have these comforts. The homeless, the deployed, the incarcerated, the starving, and those trapped in war zones - they are in my prayers.

So, as you sit at your table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to pause, bless, break, and give - not just food but your time, attention, and care. Remind your loved ones how fortunate we are and inspire them to extend that fortune to others. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply extending kindness to someone in need, let this season be about more than just gratitude. Let it be about giving.

Be the example. Be the blessing someone else desperately needs. This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude is best expressed through action.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

#Thanksgiving #Gratitude #GivingBack #BreakingBread #Inspiration #WaveNeuro