Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I do like others. I like Christmas, but I have five kids and Christmas is a lot of work. Thanksgiving is different.

I put out a couple fall things, gather family - who are my favorite people to hang out with - I'm really blessed that way. And I cook a turkey. Is there anything easier to cook than turkey? Really? You wash it off, stick some onions and celery in it, put it in a roaster and... that's it. When the meat thermometer says it's done - it's done.

Everyone else brings the sides, dessert etc, etc. I'm just making turkey, potatoes, gravy and a couple baked dishes. What could be easier?

Then I get credit for going through a bunch of work I didn't do.
Honestly, washing the dishes is more work than cooking the meal.

Aside from the ease of it and being with family, I love spending a holiday being grateful for stuff. It puts life into perspective and gives a moment of calm before the storm (Christmas).

Here is a short list of things I'm grateful for. (Oh boy! Lists!)  

1. A loving Father in Heaven who helps me every day.
  
2. A husband I adore.
   
3. Five of the best children ever.
   
4. Parents and Grandparents who keep me grounded and help me know who I am.
   
5. Siblings - I have nine. There's always someone to talk to.
   
6. Friends who don't judge.
   
7. Nieghbors - I live in a really great neighborhood. Maybe I'll write a post on that someday.
   
8. Pets - Bunnies and fish. It's wonderful to me how much joy a pet can bring into each day.


9. Our beautiful world. I love nature. I love the outdoors. I love feeling the wind and digging in soil and watching things grow. I can't get enough of it.
10.  Creature comforts. The argument can be made that I live in the lap of luxury. I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear and food to eat. There are many, many people who cannot say that.

What is on your thankful list?

Happy Thanksgiving every one!

Give Thanks

Yeah, I know. A lot of people  object  to  Thanksgiving.

There's  controversy  over the origins. Some people  view it as an inappropriate  celebration  of white dominance  over indigenous  peoples.

Some people  see it as a day of disgusting  gluttony.

And others see it as a day of hideous  carnage  of animal flesh.

While some see it as a waste of time.

You also get those for whom it is just plain painful due to loss or lack of loved ones. Or from abusive or prickly family members .

I see it as a day to take a pause and be grateful. Life is hard, but it's  also beautiful. In the midst of sorrow  there is also joy. It must be actively  sought-after  or it will escape our notice.

What could be better  than a day set aside to do this?

Regardless  of its  origins. Regardless  of how its  celebrated and whether  we approve  or not, can we set that aside for a moment and take some time to pause and reflect  on what's  good  in life?

We live in a world of controversy. Must we also argue about this? Can we just listen  to  the  name of the holiday and base it on that?

Thanksgiving. Give thanks and be quiet, please. You'll  enjoy the holiday  much better  if you do.