With Thanksgiving peeking around the corner, I happen to associate moral courage with the holiday. It all started when I was talking with Marie, who was asked to be a Bride’s maid in her friend’s wedding.

Marie said yes. Marie figured it would be a modest wedding. The bride and groom, both have children from previous marriages. The date is set for next September, giving the couple time to test if this relationship can work.

But then, the couple’s plans climbed sharply until they gouged simplicity. The wedding was moved to an expensive hotel. Hundreds are planned to be invited to a fancy dinner. Expectations for dress wear became unreasonable for Marie.

Marie decided to speak personally with the bride and bow out of the bride’s maid duty.

The news of course was taken with sadness.

It takes courage to act on that which might not go over real well or fit the norm. It also takes kindness. Marie was kind when she bowed out of the wedding.

Marie was morally courageous. She didn’t try to convince herself the more money spent on this wedding the better the chances the marriage will survive.

In thinking about Thanksgiving, I can act on this moral courage also. I can bow out of overeating. I can bow out of stress. I can bow out of making an impression with a turkey.

I can enjoy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving.