Thanksgiving 2012

College was on recess on Tuesday the 20th, and everyone was required to vacate campus by 9 PM, as the college wanted to save on security costs. I had a class that day, and afterward, I arranged to leave with a friend. It felt really good to be home by 10 PM, and to my amazement, everything looked so different. I understood why—it's been a long time since I last came home. When I left for school, everything around here was still green, but now all the leaves were gone.

After settling in and getting everything in order, I went to the mall with family and ran into Amanda and her friend Marwan. It was great to see them again; I always enjoy reconnecting with people I was once close to.

Anyway, today was the reason we came home in the first place—Thanksgiving Day. This holiday is as old as the Republic, or even the nation itself. When the colonists came to America in the early 17th century and survived their first year or so, they decided to set aside a day to thank God for their lives and survival in the New World. They were joined by the Native Americans, who hunted deer for the celebration, and together, they marked the day. Later, Thanksgiving became an official holiday across the nation, with turkey and other foods symbolizing gratitude for blessings. I think turkey is a fitting choice for the holiday, though it can be expensive, and not everyone can easily afford it outside of America.

Personally, we had a wonderful day with family and friends, including a young lady from Ghana who celebrated her first Thanksgiving with us. To her, it was a completely new experience.

I was truly glad to be home, celebrating with loved ones. Every day, we should give thanks and praise to the Most High for our lives and blessings. So that was it—the rest of my days before I go back to college are fully scheduled. I just want to see everyone before I return. Live fully every day, as if tomorrow may never come. Love more today, hate less, and be a blessing to others wherever you are. We never know the day or hour of our redemption.

God bless you.

Your humble friend,  

Ronnie