We have made it past the turkey and are now moving full speed ahead towards Christmas trees and lights. In reality, the minute Halloween was over, the retailers were pushing Christmas down our throats faster than you can say “candy cane.” It saddens me that Thanksgiving is now such a fleeting holiday. The one day a year that we have designated our “thankful day.” On Thanksgiving we give thanks for our family, our freedoms, and our food. I really thought about what being thankful meant to me this past week, and was surprised at what I came up with.
Of course, I’m thankful for my family, but what I have realized is that I want to feel thankful for them every day. I want to show them how thankful I am that I get to be married to my best friend and the mother to two exceptional children. I want to show them in little ways, how thankful I am they are in my life. From small notes in lunch boxes to getting up to get them a drink of water, I’m there and committed to showing them my “thankfulness.”
I also realized how thankful I am to be where I am in my own head. I have finally, FINALLY, found contentment in all things around me. I no longer “want” for anything. New minivan? No thanks, I have a perfectly reliable old vehicle. New house with more than one bathroom? Nope,
I’m good. I am thankful to have the one bathroom we do have; it means I have indoor plumbing. I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, shoes on my feet, running water in my house, soft beds to sleep in under the warmth of blankets, and our heating system. I am so thankful for all of these things and many, many more that would take up entirely too much space. I am so thankful that I am feeling thankful for all of these things.
There was a time, not so long ago, when I wanted, wanted, wanted. I wanted a new mini van like all of the other mothers in the preschool drop off line. I wanted a newer, bigger house; one with at least two bathrooms (to our one). I wanted to take my children to Disney so badly that I was willing to go back into debt for it (I smartened up on this and have not taken my children to Disney). Over the past year or so, I have noticed how I am perfectly at peace with all that I have. It is a truly wonderful feeling and I honestly can say it’s been a long time coming. It’s the “American Way” to always want bigger and better; but I have realized, after shaking myself from the consumer coma, that bigger is not always better.
I have “grown” thankful; I truly believe that is what has happened as I’ve grown older. I have grown to be thankful, and gracious, and have gratitude for my life and all that inhabits it. From people, to chickens, to old, leaky farmhouses, to my one bathroom. I never thought I would get here, but I am so thankful that I have. Wishing you all peace and contentment for the upcoming holiday season.
