Thanksgiving: A Time To Serve And Give Thanks

Currently Listening To: Headlines by Drake

Dear Everyone:

Today I am thankful to those selfless people who have laughed with me during the ups and have stood at my side during the downs. These people have demonstrated an abundance of love, loyalty, and service to me:

To Mommy and Daddy: From before my conception, you wanted and loved me. From conception on, you have selflessly devoted your life to my continued success and loved me second to no one. You are the only ones in this world who truly care about my whereabouts and whether I come home or not. When I seek the world for unconditional love, my findings always bring me back to you. The way you give and expect nothing in return is baffling and mind-boggling. I simply cannot articulate the feeling this inspires. I love you and I would give my life for you.

To My Close Friends: Y’all have had my back every time I needed you. Ranging from dodging fists of fury, to venting about emotionally-taxing issues, to just catching a drink after a long day. You have shown me more service and loyalty than anyone else. Believe me, LML doesn’t forget who was behind him when stuff went down. Likewise, he won’t forget when stuff goes up.

To Myself: You are obtuse and highly idealistic. You commit to implausible causes and then pay the price. But you have a resilience that is unparalleled. You have a learning curve, which although moving at the speed of snail, is consistently getting better. You learn from your mistakes and move on accordingly. In short, thank you for loving yourself enough to not quit. Thank you for remaining loyal to your dreams.

This Thanksgiving I implore that we take  time to reflect and ponder about the people who validate this day. The ones who safeguard our best interests and invariably stand at our side. During the good, the bad, and the ugly. Think not about how they can serve you. Think about how you can reciprocate and ultimately multiply their breathtaking input of love. 

In my experience,  you will truly serve only what you love. Because as the prophet says, service is love made visible. If you love friends, you will serve your friends. If you love community, you will serve your community. If you love money, you will serve your money. And if you love only yourself, you will serve only yourself. And you will have only yourself. 

So no more winning. Instead, try to love others and serve others and hopefully find those who love and serve you in return.

-Stephen Colbert

Sincerely,

LML

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