Thanksgiving has always been one of the holidays that has never really excited me. Let me clarify: while I absolutely love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Thanksgiving itself has always just been a day full of food and relatives. Unlike other families, my extended family has never done the whole tradition of "This year I'm thankful for...", so it's hard for me to get excited about celebrating Thanksgiving when all I see are Christmas decorations in air-conditioned stores I enter to escape the heat outside. It seems to me that being thankful for one day out of 365 is a little weird. Shouldn't we be thankful every day? However, this year I'm starting to really be drawn to the meaning of Thanksgiving and what it truly means to give thanks. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older and life is getting more complicated or because I just have too much time on my hands to think, but the things I'm thankful for on a daily basis have become so much dearer to me in recent weeks. So here are the things I'm thankful for this year:
1. My family
Yes, that's right, my family. Cliche but true. And yes, that includes you Noogie. I honestly do not know what I would do without their love and support. They believe in me, in my dreams, and give me their love unconditionally. They never told me "you can't", or "be more realistic" when it came to my ambitions. They are there for me for the ups and downs in life, and will continue to be there for me.
2. My best friends
That includes...well, you know who you are. I am so thankful for their support and encouragement, as well as their unconditional love and advice. They're always there for me when I need them. And yes, they're stuck with me forever, but that's okay because they love me (you know it's true). Seriously, I am so grateful that I can just pick up the phone at any time and call them, knowing that when I hang up everything will be okay.
3. My friends
Because what's life without relationships? Each of my friends is special and unique in his or her own way, and brings a different quality or influence to the table that has been beneficial to me. I am thankful for the times we spend together and the knowledge that they care.
4. My church family
They are the familial support that doesn't require blood to tie us together. My family outside of my family (even though some of us are still related). They keep me grounded and provide spiritual encouragement as well as practical advice. I know that even when I don't see them or talk to them, I am in their prayers and they are in mine. They take the time to find out how I'm doing, and actually care about the answer.
5. My kids
They are my life. I love absolutely love them, even when they drive me up the wall. This past year has been very rewarding in terms of seeing how they have grown, both emotionally and spiritually, since I met them. I am amazed to see them stepping up as leaders, displaying maturity that is far beyond their years. I feel privileged to have been a part of their lives, and to see how God has worked and is continuing to work in them.
6. My health
After I received news that I had to have surgery or go blind, but that I could still go blind even if I had surgery, I prayed harder than I ever did in my life. The possibility of losing my sight was so scary because everything I do requires vision (obviously). Thankfully, the surgery went well and my vision is improving, though it will never be what it once was.
7. Christ
Last, but definitely not least. Without Him, none of the above would matter. Without Him, none of the above would carry the least significance, because it is life in Him and His sacrifice that makes everything else so precious. Nothing I say or do can convey the thankfulness and gratitude I have for what He has done for me.
I am thankful each and every day for the gift of life He has given me, and am reminded of the purpose He has for my life.
