Thanksgiving
by Lois MelbourneDo you know the talent sitting around your Thanksgiving extended family table? I remember when I first took my husband to a small town family reunion in rural Iowa. My extended family is a farming family, and they are nearly all based in the same community where they grew up. I knew it would be interesting for him to meet the characters I know as family. However, I was a little nervous about how long the conversations might hold his attention. Then we started talking to my cousin Steve.
Steve is a brilliant farmer. He taught us about the science involved in farming. His farm is one of the largest family-owned organic farms in the state of Iowa. He’s an officer in multiple associations promoting organic farming, and has been doing this for 2 decades. I bet that’s longer than most of you have been buying organic food. He is fascinating and has improved our understanding of food, as well as the food chain. We now visit his farm at every trip to my Grandma’s. It’s the highlight of my son’s visit to climb on the hay bales and run crazy in the fields where I used to do the same thing as a kid.
I am so very thankful that we explored the family I have, and really dove into what they know. I have learned a great deal from many family members over time. We are different nationalities, practice different professions, and have MANY different life perspectives. I also have my fair share of interesting characters that could generate hours of water cooler stories. I accept them, and they often can be a great study in human nature.
Be thankful for your family, even the in-laws. If it wasn’t for them, you wouldn’t have your significant other. Explore what your family is really interested in. Seek out the most interesting person you can find in the group. Learn something new. Change the subject a few times until you find something you can share. I bet you’ll be rewarded, at least in small ways and, I hope, in large ways.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Lois
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