Thankfully Reflective

Thankfully Reflective, written on 11.23.2006, transferred from my space


Mystery Cookie has me thinking about being thankful. This has been a reflective week leading to Thanksgiving with my being on vacation. My life has been a hectic round of stress, anxiety, more stress, and work in more abundance than I could dream. Having taken a break from the normal routine of WorKaHolic/paralegal/mom/wife/homemaker/beauty consultant is a blessing in itself. It puts into perspective what's truly important in my life.

Monday found me sitting down watching television at 10:00 a.m. Something I haven't done in quite some time and perfect because it reminded me to call my grandparents. It seems that it was time for the Price Is Right to air and I was reminded of the many times I spent as a young child in the summer cleaning house with my Mee Maw and stopping to watch the Price Is Right (and even Richard Simmons)! I was taking a break from shampooing the carpet in preparation for my hot date with Mr. Clean the following day. I was thinking of the baseboards and walls I would be tackling Tuesday when the show began its theme song. I looked up and around with determination at the job at hand and what I was about to accomplish when a memory wave flooded me as I reached for the phone. I had not visited with my Mee Maw and PaPa by phone in quite some time even though I had recently written them and kept up on how they are from conversations held with mom it felt right to be dialing their number. The call was long overdue and such a joyous treat. I am thankful for my Mee Maw and PaPa. I appreciate their love and guidance given to their daughters and their grandchildren. But most important I appreciate the love they have for God and the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour that they passed on to me with each word and deed.

It is better to give than to receive. Late last week my dear husband received a turkey from his employer. My daughter said in passing that her dad wanted to donate the turkey to the church. At first this stopped me as I was thinking that it would be great to cook off the bird and freeze it for future meals (we aren't having Thanksgiving at home this year - but eating out with the family), but it only took a heart beat for me to say to myself that this was the right thing to do. So rather than run a turkey to the church I ran to the store and to pick up the rest of the Thanksgiving meal that my dear husband delivered with the Turkey to the church. I am thankful for my job, my husband, his employer, my employer, our church, and the ability to share with someone else what we have been blessed to receive.

I am thankful for a mother-in-law who loves her grandchildren unconditionally and takes time to share in their lives.

I am thankful for vacation (even this one spent pushing broom, mop, and carpet cleaner) as it gives time for reflection. I praise God for his written Word and the Spirit as it teaches my heart to open to the goodness the Lord has in store for me when I obey his commands while seeking Him and serving Him. I praise God for his mercy and grace and my salvation through his precious Son's shed blood.

I am thankful for my parents who love me unconditionally and have always stood by me no matter what. I am thankful for each of my children and the delight they bring to my life. I am thankful for my husband (even when he snores through the night because it reminds me he is still there).

I appreciate the curves my life has thrown to me. I am not today where I thought I would be twenty years ago, but I am today where the Lord has brought me. I am thankful to each family member, friend, acquaintance, employer, co-worker, etc., who has been along for the ride of my life. I look forward to the next forty years and you know turning forty next March isn't looking so bad after all. I am thankful for life, for living and for serving others. I am truly blessed by those around me and most importantly by my Heavenly Father.

Happy Thanksgiving!