THANKSGIVING

imageDefinition:  the expression of gratitude, esp. to God.

In North America an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November.

As I sit in my chair with a blazing fire in the fireplace and warm blanket wrapped around my legs because it has turned bitter cold outside this week in Northern Texas and I am sipping on a savoring cup of Hot Mint Tea I truly can’t believe it is already “Thanksgiving” 2013!  Where does time really go?  As a child I remember my grandparents saying this very same thing and I thought they were crazy because as a child time seemed to stand still, well not anymore.  I feel as if I am on the roller coaster or the tilt a whirl and it is going faster and faster…but what a thrill life brings.

 

During the month of November, I love reading everyone’s post on Facebook of what they are grateful for.  We are one nation truly blessed with so many bountiful things, people and places.  Do you participate in this or do you have a gratitude journal you write in daily?  I started journaling about 10 years ago, it is one of the best things I do for myself and so much fun to drag those old ones out and re-read.  To many my life may be a bit boring, complacent or some call me crazy.  But it is my life and I love every minute of it.  Being thankful day in and day out for the simple things we sometimes take for granted.  I love to write down 5 things I am thankful for each and every day.  Sometimes it is the same things but again it is great reminder especially when we might be feeling sorry for ourselves.  If you haven’t tried journaling I encourage you to do so, start small maybe it is only 5 things you are grateful for, then eventually add you favorite verse, phrase, motto and then add a little about what you did for the day.  I eventually include my dreams, my hope, my aspirations, my frustrations, my fears, my disappointment and end in a prayer.  It is very therapeutic.  I like to search for the right kind of journal, I prefer it to be spiral bound I like lines a bit bigger space than college rule.  In fact the last four years I have bought the same journal in different colors.  I also like to write with my favorite blue pen.  Again it is the simple things that make me happy.  A new year is about to begin maybe you should be on the hunt for that perfect journal or ask for one for Christmas.  Try it for at least 21 days and see what you think!  It is a great “Takin Time Out” exercise that could develop into a habit.

 

What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year?  We are actually traveling to my Mom and Dad’s to enjoy with my sister and her family.  Not all my children can go and that makes me sad but it is what it is and we will make the best of it. I am fortunate we get together almost every Sunday night throughout the year to share dinner and see one another so one day out of the year won’t kill me.   I love the traditions of holidays.  We always watch the Macy’ Thanksgiving parade on TV while wrapping up the food preparation.  We usually eat around noon, with the traditional turkey, dressing, yams with marshmellows, smothered peas, Ham, relish tray, carrots and my Grandma’s cranberry salad with marshmellow, cranberries, apples, nuts and cool whip  and  homemade hot rolls yum…  It is what I grew up on, however I remember the first Thanksgiving with my husband’s side and how things were a little different, yes we had the traditional turkey but their dressing was a bit different and has grown to be my favorite, they put a hard boiled eggs chopped up and the liver and gizzards in the gravy.  So through the 28 years of marriage when I host the Thanksgiving gathering I blend the two favorites from both sides to come up with our family tradition.  Isn’t that what it is all about?  By the way what are a few of your favorite dishes at Thanksgiving?  Do you have cornbread dressing or stuffing?  Do you call soda pop or coke even though it might be a Dr. Pepper?  Do you have lunch or dinner at noon and is it supper of dinner for the evening meal?  I laugh as different parts of the country call things or fix things a bit differently but that is what it is all about and brings the family traditions from generation to generation.  Oh and yes we all sit down to watch the Dallas Cowboys play the traditional football game!  They better win this year!  We usually drag out a jig saw puzzle and maybe go to the movie in the evening.  This year we are hoping to see The Christmas Candle.

 

My niece and her girls always look forward to coming to the Big City and SHOP SHOP SHOP until you drop.  This year I believe most of the stores in the mall and major retailers are going to open THANKSGIVING evening.  That is crazy…I am not going to be one fighting the crowd looking for the best deal.  It makes my heart race just thinking about it.  I am happy for them because they enjoy it so much but it really makes me sad we have become so commercialized with things, clothes and electronic devices they seemed to have taken the place of “Takin Time Out” and really enjoying one another or playing card or board games.  I guess I am showing my age but I do miss the simpler time of life.

 

I think we should really be thankful each and every day not just one special day of the year.  I love the verse found it Psalm 95:1-2  “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; (even if you can’t carry a tune) let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with Thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”  Also, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”  Especially as we enter into this Advent Season and celebrate the birth of Christ let us pause and giving thanks!

 

We will soon be ringing out the old and bringing in the New Year…take a few minutes, an hour or maybe fast for the day…”Takin a Time Out!” to stop and count your many blessings naming them one by one.  I know we all have resolutions we work for the new year but this is something we can do daily.  Thanksgiving all year long…what an amazing year you would have in store….think about it and maybe consider it!  Until next time my dear friends I hope you find your heart full of Thanksgiving and “Takin a Time Out!”….

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