Thanksgiving Gratitude

As we gather yearly around our Thanksgiving table, I am thankful for my family.  I am thankful for my friends.  I am thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon my everyday life.  I try to be grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, hard times as well, faithfully believing those troubles will be handled by our Lord.  Admittedly difficult on some days, I do try to let those things go and place them in HIS hands.

This year my gratitude remains consistent, but I have made an earnest effort this past year to be more present in the moments that I live.  To go back to a time when life wasn’t so fast paced.  I am learning to slow it down.  Perhaps gaze at that sunshine as it sets in the evening.  Smell the fresh air.  Look for the rainbow.  Wonder at the birds and all creatures I see.  I am looking much deeper into the eyes of humanity.  With each set of eyes, I seem to encounter, I realize our paths have crossed for a reason.  I believe that whether these moments of chance last a lifetime, a short while, a brief moment, or a flash in our lives, each of these moments are meant to bring us together in that instant.

Taking the time to observe the beauty of our surroundings; the miraculous beings each individual is uniquely made-up, whether apparent or complex, there is beauty in each person God has created.

For me, Thanksgiving has always been family time.  Catching up and enjoying each other’s company.  I suppose as I age, I appreciate people and the natural world much more profoundly than ever before.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” – Maya Angelou.

I like that saying.

Truly, being present in the moment is my goal.  Witnessing the unbreakable bonds of my extended family, the love we share, our faith and our loyalty.  Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, daughters, and sons.  Aunts, uncles, cousins alike.  We are a family that shares in each other’s lives.  We do things together.  We share our joys.  We share each tear as they arise.  We hold each family member up in our everyday lives.  My family respects one another.  We are blessed.  We appreciate each member of our family.  Each is a gift from God.  We are humble and we know full well hardships and yes, at times, they do come.  This makes us stronger, and we remain true.  We share in all those things.  We are one big happy family, and we are grateful.

Be present as you gather around your Thanksgiving table and in all your moments because sometimes those moments are nothing but a flash; do not let it pass you by.

I wish you all a day of being present, surrounded with love and joy.

I leave you with one last thought of being present by reflecting at the end of each day.  Give your thanks and be forever grateful.  As Maya Angelou said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”

Happy Thanksgiving.