Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

I’ve been hearing the term Friendsgiving recently. My assumption is that this is an alternative celebration for those who cannot or do not want to be with family. I have never been unable to join my family for this holiday. My wife and I have always been close to our parents and siblings or later in life, our children, and grandchildren.

Family is within a drivable distance for us. I know this is not true for everyone. After our family gathering, I am considering how difficult it would be to not have your children, parents, and siblings to share holidays with.

I had one Fourth of July when I was over a thousand miles from home and spent the day by myself with church friends and their families. I wish I had been with my family that summer. I had chosen to work with a mission organization earlier that year. I had started at a new college and saw this opportunity was available in the early fall. I had never been away from home for that long.

I feel the concept of sharing a holiday with friends is an excellent idea. One Thanksgiving our family invited our new pastor and his family to join us because they were not returning home for the holiday. We had a great time and I think it made my relationship with their family stronger.

My problem is with the name. Thanksgiving says what the gathering is about. Friendsgiving includes part of that but does not include the term thanks. If the original was family-giving, the new name would fit. Thanksgiving can be used whether you join with family or friends.

My daughters brought friends home with them when they were in college. One Easter we introduced a friend to dyeing eggs. This young man had never experienced that in his family. New experiences are what life is about.

Friendship is often an ignored type of relationship. Friending is a skill that is not usually printed on a resume when you are looking for a job. It is one of the most essential characteristics an employee or business owner can develop. I say develop because you can learn how.

In high school, I learned to be a better writer, to speak in front of crowds, and to improve my skill of being a better friend. Earlier this year our graduating class had our fiftieth-class reunion. We renewed some friendships and made new friends with people that we never really knew in school.

Some of our classmates remembered high school as a time they did not wish to revisit. I am thankful that I did not miss the opportunity. Many of the friends I enjoyed at that time were from younger classes. Those in my class were not popular and many failed to come to any of the events. I would like to encourage you to strengthen your ability to make and keep friends. Push hard to accomplish this. Always be friendly. Attempt to make everyone you see each day smile. That has been one of my goals for many years. I hope you will make it yours.

©Copyright 2022 by Charles Kensinger