Thanksgiving Preparation

Every year it seems like Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that we all look past. Sure, we all look forward to the turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. And let's not forget the mashed potatoes and pumpkin, pecan, and apple pie. But, all too often it seems that the real meaning of this holiday gets forgotten.

As I was out shopping this past weekend I realized that as soon as Halloween was over, Christmas items began appearing in stores (sometimes even before Halloween was over). As you look around, it's hard to remember that there is the important holiday of Thanksgiving that we celebrate in between two holidays that unfortunately have become all about what we receive (candy at Halloween and gifts at Christmas). And, I don't think it's a coincidence that this holiday where we're supposed to pause and reflect on all we're thankful for is sandwiched in between these two other holidays.

In today's world, it's very easy to get sidetracked with thinking "if only I had more money" or "I really want this" instead of reminding ourselves with how richly we have already been blessed by God. Some of us may be out of jobs. Others of us have broken relationships. Still others don't know how they're just going to make it through the next day's chores. In spite of all this, we ALL have something for which we can be thankful.

Thus, I want to invite you to join me over the next few weeks. During this time, we'll take opportunities to focus on things we can be thankful for no matter how big or small. We'll share recipes as we prepare for the meal where we celebrate Thanksgiving. We'll share memories and stories of our favorite Thanksgivings and ways that God provided. For each day, there will be a place where you can link to your own blog post where you share an item that relates to that day's topic. All I ask is that you please include a link back to my blog post for that day in your post so that others can join us if they desire.

Please join me as we pause and reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for.

To get things started, we'll keep it simple for today. Just share a few things for which you are thankful, and really try to stretch yourself. If you need help figuring out how to link to your blog post, leave me a comment with a way to contact you and I'll help you out.

Here are a few things that I'm thankful for:

1. Wonderful in-laws who have allowed my husband and I to live with them for over a year.

2. My mom's job because without it I wouldn't have the flight benefits, and thus the ability, to visit family and friends all over the country

3. A wonderful boss and co-workers

4. A patient husband

Now it's your turn...