I have so many things on my mind today that it’s a little hard to focus on one topic. First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that no matter the circumstances you found yourself in, that you took the time to recognize at least one blessing in your life—one thing that you are thankful for.
For me, Thanksgiving this year was a little different. Even though my stepson and daughter-in-law could not be with us this year, our little family gathering seemed special. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly why. Like so many other years, Thanksgiving Day was celebrated at our house with just myself, my husband, my daughter, and my mother.
As a kid, growing up in Pennsylvania, family gatherings were big. I had a lot of family around. Our get-togethers consisted of my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. But since I left Pennsylvania to pursue my dreams, my own family was all the family that I had near me. My husband’s family is a bit scattered, and family gatherings on his side are rare.
Nevertheless, since my daughter was born, it has been my undying goal to give her tradition and wonderful family memories. I used to be a cooking marvel who prepared all the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, all by myself, year after year. Of course, it was a long, busy day for me, but it was worth it. Eventually, my daughter started to help.
These days, I am blessed to have not only a daughter who has developed a wonderful style for preparing food, but also, I have a husband who is a fabulous cook. But this is not our first year to all prepare food together; so what made this year so special?
I can say, unequivocally, that I was much less stressed this year with all the details of providing a pleasant experience for everyone, from having appetizers to a literal feast, followed by relaxing family time. I think the reason for that is tied up in several things.
Apart from me learning to release the death grip I have on the need for being in control, and learning to accept help from others, I think I am just feeling more connected to everyone around me. I see the struggles of my friends and my heart goes out to them. Most of the time, the best help I can offer is to pray for them.
The terrorism abroad has become more real to me since I know several people living in Paris. I remember the day terrorists attacked New York, the Pentagon, and the jetliner that was hijacked and crashed in Pennsylvania in 2001. I had just dropped off my daughter at elementary school, on my way to work. The thought of terrorism in this country filled me with such dread; my daughter’s future now looked uncertain.
Years have passed with only small occurrences of planned violence in the nation as a whole. But recent terror attacks in multiple countries (including Canada) indicate that another attack in the United States is eminent. The fighting in the Middle East seems to be utterly chaotic as there aren’t clear lines on who are the allies or the enemies.
Every day, every hour seems more real to me than at any other time in my life. It would be easy to become overwhelmed with thoughts of what-if for the future. Instead, I am trying to be more connected and stay in the present. Ordinary things seem more precious now, and I have more empathy for others. My quest to change people’s lives by helping them to restore their health and sense of well-being seems all the more important. We need community to remind us that what really matters in life is relationships; especially our relationship with Jesus.
So, if anything, my life has taken on more meaning. I appreciate family and friends even more. I love good food, good music, my pets and my life. I value my clients and my followers. I really have much to be thankful for. Just know that, come what may, we have each other, we have community.
Until next week, do well be well.
Psalms 21:6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.
