Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving eve, everyone.  Thanksgiving has always had a special place in my heart, as it is a holiday where my fun, but slightly dysfunctional, family comes together to eat, drink, and engage in general merriment.  The food is always plentiful and it's a time to enjoy one another without the stress that is generally involved with Christmas and gift-giving.

I'm not sure when the trend began, but several of my Facebook friends post something they are thankful for each day of the month of November.  I enjoy reading them and seeing how others recognize their blessings.  I think that the concept is great and all, but come December 1, the thanks seem to be forgotten until November comes around again.  That part is kind of sad, as some of these same people will be complaining about their job, car, spouse, kids, etc once they turn the calendar to December.  Life is not a bed of roses, but I think that we should all remember the blessings in our lives every day.  It can be much easier to think about what we don't have (a spouse, children, a nice car or house, a job), but I think that when we focus on what we do have, we appreciate it more.

As I prepare to gather around the table with members of my family, I know that someone will inevitably say something that will cause someone else to have hurt feelings.  There will be plenty of food (perhaps too much), laughs, and possibly tears.  It will not be a Norman Rockwell type of Thanksgiving.  However, this is my family, and I am grateful to have them in my life.  We are not perfect, but we love one another.  I am so blessed to have friends who are like family and family who are like friends.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.