The holidays are a time of shouldering a lot. We are “standing (in body or spirit) on the shoulders of giants” being lifted up by the strength of tradition and ritual. We also do our best to shoulder our share of the burdens and the work that comes too, yet even our best intentions often create tension. Living in right relationship with others also means we are shoulder-to-shoulder with them facing the coming challenges as equals, as supports.

Let’s take a minute to push our own shoulders back—opening our hearts to the possibility of being with all people just as they are this Thanksgiving.