The Fruits of our Labor
Autumn time is, for me, a time for all of us to take account of everything that we have in life. It’s a time for us to enjoy the hard work we have committed too. To stop and see the bounty that we have created. It is also a time for us to share our bounty with our neighbors and loved ones. This tradition was born for me out of the Pagan observance of the Year Wheel. After the harvest families and friends would come together and share the bounty with each other. Our American Thanksgiving has deep roots in this observance. Looking at this ritual from the eyes of a Jedi allows me to see the many benefits to be gained from it.
The first and most obvious benefit comes from giving to others. As Jedi we are encouraged to lead a life of service and charity. Giving away the fruits of our labor and sharing them with others is a great way to help. Not everyone will have a surplus to share, and others may be in need. By sharing we are helping to insure that everyone has the ability to rejoice in their hard work. That everyone has something to be thankful for.
By coming together to help those in need we are also helping to strengthen the community. We are creating deep bonds for everyone involved. Something has changed the way people see each other anymore. Neighbors don’t talk like they once did. Communities don’t come together like they used too. Bringing people together to share a meal, to break bread, helps to repair that damage. The intimate nature of sharing a meal with someone helps to break down the invisible barriers we have placed between us. It reminds us of our commonalities and our shared struggles and experiences.
Last but not least we are able to enjoy ourselves and have a good time. It’s okay to have selfish motivations behind our good works. It is okay to feel good about what we do. There is no shame in finding a good time while doing good works. So I encourage all of us this season to learn from the traditions of old. Take stock of what you have and, if you can, help somebody else to be thankful. If you do, you might just be surprised what fruits may grow from that labor.
