Contributor discusses a significant connection between Thanksgiving and the democratic process.
In the United States, we begin November with a national election for president, and conclude with a national holiday to express gratitude—Thanksgiving Day. Perhaps it would be better to begin with gratitude and then vote. Gratitude is such an inspiring, transforming quality. It recognizes goodness and expresses appreciation for it. Gratitude opens one's eyes to discern right motives and actions. A grateful heart is less inclined to criticize and condemn. It accentuates the positive, without ignoring the negative, and supports every effort of noble behavior. Gratitude includes an unselfishness that is willing to see goodness in others, and a humility that doesn't feel threatened by acknowledging that goodness. Gratitude builds up. It never tears down.
So it would be helpful for gratitude to precede our participation in a democratic election. Don't we want the people who are elected to do a good job? To act wisely and morally? By taking a few moments and opening our hearts to recognize good in each candidate, we will be contributing to an election that unites rather than divides, that builds up rather than tears down.
