Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Thinking About Thanksgiving

Thinking about Thanksgiving

I was thinking about thankfulness and gratitude because at this time of year you have to, right? Every Thanksgiving my husband does this thing that I just don't enjoy. After spending hours getting everything ready for the most spectacular meal of the year, making sure everything looks beautiful, and that everyone's favorite dish is represented, the tables are set and everything is nice and hot, he wants to go around the table and have each person say what he or she is thankful for. I know- you're all saying, "Awww, what a wonderful tradition." But I'm thinking "all that work and now it's getting cold!" Not to mention the fact that when put on the spot, suddenly I can't think of anything I am thankful for. Of course, all the requisite things- health, family, provision, yada, yada, yada- please pass the sweet potato casserole.

Shouldn't these things be pondered and ruminated upon before just blurting them out while the food is getting cold? So I am considering what I am really thankful for. I really am thankful for our health. A few years ago, my husband had Melanoma and it was very scary. I can't even imagine living without him, so I am very thankful for his healing and his continued health. I really am thankful for provision. We have recently gone through the same upheaval many people have in this economy and are moving into a completely new direction financially, but God is so faithful and has miraculously provided for us. I really am thankful that all my family will be gathered together around my Thanksgiving table, including my new son-in-law (my new son). It was only a couple of years ago that one kid was in New York and one was in England, and the only way we could communicate was over the phone and emailing. Now they are all right under my nose and have keys to my house! It's crazy and chaotic at times but I couldn't be more grateful. There is nothing my hubby and I love more than having all our kids and our two grandsons around us. I am thankful that God has placed me right where I am and that I know His purpose for my life. These are all the biggies.

But the more I think about what I am truly grateful for on a daily basis; it's really the little things. My husband brings me coffee every single morning and gives it to me with a kiss, even if he's mad at me. I am so thankful for that. That one little gesture every single day shows that he loves me no matter what and that he cares for me. My daughter, Dani, is so beautiful, inside and out. She is caring and loving and thoughtful. She always orchestrates my birthday, Mother's Day, and Christmas gifts. (Someday, in another blog, I will explain why that is so important and how certain people are not the greatest gift choosers, if you catch my drift). In the meantime, I am so thankful that she makes sure I am shown respect and honor on special occasions. I am thankful that my son, Nathan, always mentions me and gives me credit for his success in every interview. It's not really true- he has worked very hard on his own to get where he is, but he is showing me respect and for that I am grateful. Noelle has seen more heartache than any of us and she is the baby of our family. I am so thankful that she has made it through the fire and back, and has been found faithful- she's my miracle baby and I am so grateful for her. My sweet little (big) grandsons know all my favorite things. They know I like Big Cheezits, not those little ones. They know I love my coffee and that "books are our friends." They know that Wednesday nights and Sundays after church are family time and they look forward to it. They know me well and I'm just their granny. I love that, and am so thankful for it.

These are the everyday things that I am thankful for. For what are you thankful? Make a mental or written list and ponder them, meditate on them and revel in them. But please do it after dinner- the food's getting cold.

Happy Thanksgiving!



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Click HERE to view this month's Date with a Purpose - "Not for Cowards"

2 comments:

  1. What a great reflection! And might I add, full of not only your words, but your heart. I'm thankful for you and Jay and each of your children, your grandchildren and new additions. I love you and your family so much. Thanx for sharing this great blog with us and save some of that casserole for me! ang :o)

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  2. Thanks for the blog and the challenge to seek my own thankfulness. I love each and every person mentioned in your blog! Next year, I hope to be wherever all of you are!

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