Let's be Grateful
As another year begins to wrap up, I find myself unsure how we already made it to Thanksgiving. It seems like no time has passed since my toes froze in wet socks during the yearly Turkey Bowl game with the church youth and then we sat down to feast in honor of my favorite holiday of the year.
Thanksgiving represents the best of us. A day when no one knowingly gets left alone. I have been invited to dinner by so many people throughout the years, just because people wanted to make sure I was not by myself. Grandma and Grandpa have invited a variety of guests, including widowers, those unmarried without family nearby and others, for the same reason. As a society, we have a collective desire to make sure people are included in this wonderful event.
We are fortunate enough to have a massive amount of family nearby, and so, every year, we all prep some items at our houses while your Aunt Bec cooks a turkey and delicious sweet potato dish. All the food travels to their house, where we sit down to an amazing meal, followed immediately by a nap for me, and pure chaos for you kids as you run around with your cousins. A wonderful day, every single time.
Aside from the food, family and festivities, we should use the time off of school and work to remember all the many blessings we have in our lives. Aside from some mild colds as of late, our entire family is healthy. This includes not just our immediate family, but our expansive extended family as well.
We live in a society in which we are free to choose our own profession, where we live, who we interact with, and what we believe. We have the freedom to agree or disagree with whomever, including our government.
Our family is blessed to have health care, a home, and the ability to pay our bills, all while your Mother stays home to teach and raise you. We may not have a large and fancy house, or expensive clothes, but all our material needs are met, we have access to healthy groceries, and we are not constantly fretting about how to buy these things.
We are surrounded by great friends and a loving family. In emergencies, we have a large roster of people we can call on, and they always come through. We are able to eat dinner with your Grandparents and a Great Grandmother every single Sunday, a situation that so few people get to enjoy. You all play with your cousins at least once a week, but generally more frequently than that. What an amazing opportunity to build lasting relationships!
As we get ready for the holidays, and all the things that you want, or feel like you should get, let’s take some time to remember all the wonderful things we already have in our lives. Gratitude gives us a better, happier outlook on life. It causes us to appreciate what we have, and avoid comparing ourselves to others in unhealthy ways. It also is infectious, as demonstrated Tuesday night at dinner. I thanked Mom after taking a bite or two, the food was so delicious. Immediately, each of you in turn did the same. We appreciate being around those who embody gratitude and express it, and often start emulating their behavior. Let’s set an example for others, not just during this season, but throughout our lives.
I love you. I appreciate each of you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Dad