The Holy Spirit of God injects Thanksgiving into the most unexpected places. But Thanksgiving is also something that we can bring about. Whereas death will happen whether we want it to or not, and with increasing frequency, Thanksgiving happens frequently only if we encourage it. It is far more within our control than death. We can, if we wish, invite Thanksgiving to appear, and with practice and encouragement it often obliges.
Death is an unwelcome visitor.
Thanksgiving is a dinner guest. Sometimes, with practice, the dinner party can even embrace the unwelcome visitor. When Thanksgiving appears, it replaces all that has gone before and clears the lenses of our spirits. Our hearts, now freed, can see and hope and love again. Death, for that moment, is vanquished.