dinner

“But what about the turkey?” are always the first words out of my students’ mouths when they hear I’m going camping for Thanksgiving.

I laugh and explain to them that as a vegetarian,  a turkey  dinner isn’t exactly a critical concern of mine and that my husband can easily forgo meat for a few days.

Their brains stutter, trying to come to terms with this new and foreign reality. “So what do you eat?”

“I prepare a veggie chili and cornbread ahead of time so all we have to do at the campsite is heat it over the fire.”

“Oh. That actually sounds really good. I’ve always wanted to go camping but my parents don’t want to.”

 

It’s so interesting to me how strongly our preconceived notions are about how something is supposed to be are anchored in our minds. I’m working through some of my own biases this week as I read The New “I Do”, which offers several alternatives to the traditional marriage. Much like my students, I am having to rethink my assumptions and be willing to consider alternate viewpoints.

 

Whether your Thanksgiving consists of turkey or microwave popcorn, tons of family or the company of a good book, being snuggled inside as the snow drifts build or braving the air to escape the house, I wish you a day of peace and gratitude.

Because it’s not really about the turkey. It’s about taking a moment to be present and thankful.

No matter where you are.