Giving Thanks for Kindness 

Thanksgiving Day is a grand American tradition.  It dates from 1621 when native Americans shared food with four dozen Pilgrims. It’s likely these gifts saved the Pilgrims from winter starvation.  That set a fine precedent for kindness.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens” to be on the last Thursday of November”. Here is my Thanksgiving suggestion: Let’s emphasize joining friends and relatives to celebrate something that really is scarce and valuable, kindness.  That, in addition to food is what the Indians gave on the first Thanksgiving Day.

In the past few weeks I’ve thought a lot about kindness.  This quality includes being considerate, empathetic, friendly, and generous with one’s time and other scarce resources.  Being kind is a strong directive in most Judeo-Christian denominations. Kindness is an unguent for pain and a lubricant in social relations. 

These are valuable qualities indeed and I’ve become increasingly sensitive to their importance.  How might we encourage kindness?  First, I suggest we recognize and be sensitive to its value.  Ideally it would be the default position of responsible individuals--even when dealing with those not in one's immediate community.  

Fortunately, Ramona and I’ve recently been the beneficiaries of much kindness.  I had a total ankle replacement, a “Zimmer Ankle”, at the University of Utah Orthopedic Hospital on October 23.  After a six-plus hour operation, I woke up with an artificial left ankle.  It now matches the right.  While I am grateful for many things, this Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for the competence and kindness of the people at the University of Utah’s Orthopedic Center.  

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Let's make kindness our default.