Thanksgiving

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I love that we take the time to spend time with and cherish those individuals in our lives that mean the most to us. I love that we take the time to gather with those people, to remember the daily gifts that we have in our lives, to cook from scratch a generally nutritious meal, and to offer gratitude to God for the blessings He has given us. Thus I am looking forward to this Thursday and the time we will all spend at my aunt's house, and I am thankful for the Thanksgiving dinner I just shared on Saturday with one of my undergrad roommates and her social circle. In my mind, I have always romanticized the idea of Thanksgiving and have never felt that it lives up to my expectations. Funny that I would allow expectations to overshadow a time of blessings and gratitude. Thus it was even more interesting that this dinner on Saturday finally fulfilled the expectations I always had: fabulous homemade food (cooked primarily by my friend's boyfriend including vegan stuffing!), good wine, candles, great company, and wonderful laughter and conversation. However it could also be that my current mentality is one that has altered my expectations, regardless I feel I have much to be thankful for from this last year:

-another cancer-free year for my father
-getting into grad school and now potentially being able to do a dual program in the same amount of time
-the year I spent living with my parents (again)
-learning how to cook from scratch
-moments with my individual family members
-being a better aunt
-the flexibility of subbing
-safety on my many journeys
-deep conversations
-the support and love from and to family and friends
-all the moments with my granny
-making freezer jam
-the health and safety of my friends and family
-laughter
-having tomatoes that actually grew!
-finding housing just in the nick of time
-new windows, heat, clothing, health, food, transportation
-a functioning body including breathing lungs and walking legs
-the many sides of nature: sun, rain, breezes, sea mist, falling leaves, green fields
-the capacity to learn and grow
-answered prayer
-listening ears and caring hearts
-feeling "free" and restoring passion
-embracing and achieving goals
-restoring relationships
-finding simplicity and embracing humanity
-feeling, caring, loving, faith, hope
-wise words and strong memories
-beer and Scrabble
-scholarships
-all the kids I've worked with this year
-forgiveness, healing
-simple moments
-and every single one of you

May you all be filled with the blessings in your own lives and feel them magnified during this week! May your burdens be removed and your hearts be filled! Happy Thanksgiving!