Thanking and Giving

I am a slow learner sometimes. About some things. 

I was pondering Thanksgiving, coming in two days. No urgency and nothing 'wrong'. Just curious. My plans are shaping up and include the usual and my favorite: pumpkin pie without the crust. Whipped cream - real whipped cream. And other things.

But what came to me was the word itself: Thanksgiving. Thanks and giving. Thanks AND giving.

My intention daily is to pay attention to what I am grateful for and express that gratitude with a thank you, a note, a call - whatever it takes. Even just feeling grateful, a full and grateful heart.

But what about the giving? For me as I was growing up 'giving' was fraught with expectations. If my Mom gave me something, there were often strings attached, unspoken expectations that I would....? And that was what was hard, trying to guess. 

So as a parent and person in the world I have tried very hard NOT to have expectations when I give. To let whatever it is just go. And to remember that true gifts are the ones that can be hard to give away. 

I wonder how many people both pay attention to the 'thanks' and are actively 'giving' on this day? Maybe people helping in shelters or gathering food items to gift to others? 

What can I give this Thanksgiving? A hug. Inviting a friend with no other place to go. Dropping off food items where they are needed? 

And what can you give this Thanksgiving? A smile? A small piece of your heart? 

Thanks + Giving = Balance.