Wasichu...

As you enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends let me ask you to consider rounding out your perspective about this holiday. First off, it's my personal favorite. I've also made it a tradition of mine to read more about the Native Americans. Each Thanksgiving, I try to take the time to read a book that widens my understanding of these people that came before us "wasichu." Wasichu was the Lakota word for "white people." It's alternative meaning was "the one who steals the bacon." Today, I’m rereading <em>Sitting Bull </em>by Bill Yenne. Here's a little taste from Sitting Bull's perspective.

"I do not want anyone to bother my people. I want them to live in peace. I myself have plans for my people, and if they follow my plans, they will never want. They will never hunger. I wish for traders only, and no soldiers on my reservation. God gave us this land, and we are at home here. I will not have my people robbed. We can live if we can keep our Black Hills. We do not want to eat from the hand of the Grandfather. We can feed ourselves." 

<em>Sitting Bull </em>is a well written story about the Native Americans and the forming of our country. This story and others like it have had a humbling effect on me. And, that's exactly what I need. The wider our perspective, the more we unite with those unlike ourselves. We are still a country trying to figure it out. Look around the world and notice a world still on the road and a long way from the mark. So, today, lets be thankful, grateful, and helpful. Tomorrow too. Lets give the world a taste of what makes no sense. Lets not only say grace, lets give it. God, help us all. 

I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving together. We, the BTL band, are thankful for you. Thanks for your attention and trust. Thanks for being iron and sharpening us. Thanks for allowing us to sharpen you too. Together we transform. Always together. Good.

Live hard. Love harder (Thanks, Teeks)...