It's strikes me that Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday. I feel as though every year Thanksgiving fades a little more into the background as Christmas preparations steal the limelight before we've even eaten all our Halloween candy. Not that I don't look forward to the Christmas season, because I look forward to Christmas all year. But I also think Thanksgiving has an important part to play in our yearly holiday season, and I'm not talking about Black Friday shopping, football, or having turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Not that I don't love those things, because I do. I'm the first to admit that it's all to easy to get caught up in those things or forget the whole reason we have a holiday that literally means Giving Thanks. I meant to write this post on Thanksgiving Day, but I admit, I was too busy eating turkey, watching football, and planning my Black Friday Shopping. (-;
But perhaps it's better that I write about what I am thankful for today, a few days after Thanksgiving, because I need to be reminded to count my blessings year round, not just on the day that's set aside for it.
I am blessed, and I know it. I have a loving family I was born into, and one I married into. I am especially thankful this year for my husband's family because this is my first holiday season that I have been an "official" member of their family. I have lived away from my immediate family for years, but I always get especially homesick for them around this time of year, and Jimmy's family have really been my adopted family for the last five years. They have accepted and loved me as their own, and I know I am a lucky girl to have in-laws like that.
Of course none of that would be possible if I hadn't walked into Hollywood Video six years ago, and I'm so thankful that I met the man of my dreams that night. I had no idea at the time, but God orchestrated our lives so that we would meet at the right time, and I will be eternally thankful for that. I have a husband who is my best friend and I am so excited for the next fifty years we get to experience as an adventure together.
In this economy, I would be remiss if I did not say how thankful I am to have a job that not only pays my bills, but I also enjoy going to each day. I have the nicest group of coworkers and a wonderfully supportive boss, and a job that can be both challenging and rewarding. This combination is not as common as we would like to think, so I know I am so blessed to have my job.
I could go on and on. I have loyal and kind friends. We have a lovely little condo that my husband graciously let me decorate, a fun-loving puppy, and so much more.
So, friends, if this post doesn't inspire you to make your own list of all the ways you are blessed, then shame on you. Because not only should Thanksgiving be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each November, but the other 364 days of the year too. Let's call every day Thanksgiving, and then maybe the day won't just mean turkey and football anymore. (-;
Happy Holidays!
