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Holidays, time for thanksgiving

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Carolyn Glover
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  I feel it is safe to say most of us grew up with the popular saying, "It is better to give than to receive."

Certainly, during the Holiday season, messages of giving and generosity permeate the television, radio and internet. As retail companies and department stores prey on 'virtuous' givers, I, for one, can't help but anticipate the other side of giving - the receiving end.

I find the thrill of the Christmas gift hunt to be more of a pain in the neck than a thrilling, bargain-hunting experience. I can honestly say that is nothing about opening presents (or envelopes) I find distasteful in the least.

While Hallmark and Wal-Mart all send out messages of giving and generosity, I tend to lose sight of the parts that come after the giving and receiving - the thanking.

Of course I am always quick to say thank you to those generous present givers. I'll even send out a thank you card. But, admittedly, I never really took a moment to realize there are far more significant things I should be expressing gratitude for.

Being a brand- new second lieutenant, I haven't really had many opportunities to experience one of those life changing realizations that come from years of service to our country. But I did have a moment of clarity and frank gratitude when our base hosted a job fair earlier this month. As I watched over 2,500 people step off busses into the base community center, I remember never being more grateful for the opportunity to work.

When Uncle Sam allowed me into the Air Force, I was given a great gift - I was not one of the 2,500 job seekers on base that day. I realized, regardless of the many obstacles and harsh realities that come with finally being a part of the full-fledged work force, I have any amazing opportunities for success in the world.

Thanksgiving is always branded as the time for being grateful for what you have, rarely Christmas. But, shouldn't the "most wonderful time of year" receive some thanksgiving kudos as well?