Todd came into my life at a most unexpected time. He taught me how to have fun, gave me reasons to laugh, and showed me how to love unconditionally. For that, I am thankful.
Heath and Creed are blessings every day. That certainly doesn’t mean they are perfect. Luckily, none of us are. My boys are just that, boys. They are adventurous, spirited, curious, even a bit temperamental at times. At the same time they are caring, sweet, even cool. Just ask them about the latter. It is true that everything changes when one becomes a parent. I’m just thankful to have the experience and to be able to watch them grow and learn.
Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, mothers, fathers, grandparents ... you know that old saying that you can’t choose your family? True, but we can learn to be accepting of one another and learn to appreciate our differences. Most of us refuse to admit that while we greatly enjoy our friends, the majority of friends change throughout the course of our lives. If your best friend from kindergarten is still your best friend 30 years later, that is rare. Friends may come and go, but family usually remains. Who was there when you went through that hard time not so long ago? Who will be there the next time one arises? Who is just a phone call away? Those people will give you a reason to be thankful.
Noodles have traditionally been my favorite food. The best kind are what I dubbed many years ago to be “funeral” noodles. Expect them to be homemade (or at least those really good frozen ones), and expect them to be comforting. Why else would they be served at times when families gather together in sorrow?
Knowing what it is to be blessed is a wonderful acknowledgment. I’ve learned a lot of man’s knowledge over the years. After my finals in a few weeks, I’ll only have comprehensive exams and a dissertation to do before I attain my doctorate in higher education. I say only as if that isn’t a lot of work still set before me. Yes, it is, but it also brings me to the point where the instruction that I need for now has been taught. The rest of my learning is up to me. I will now be able to guide my path. To be able to leave behind me homework assignments, required readings, quizzes, exams, and finals will be a blessing for sure.
Forgiving is one of the most difficult things we sometimes have to do, but it can also be the most rejuvenating and inspiring. If you feel like someone has done you wrong, you’re not alone. Actually, most everyone feels that way from time to time. We all get hurt; sometimes we are even the ones who hurt others either knowingly or unknowingly. I try to teach my sons how important forgiveness is when their play with one another exceeds the safe point and becomes rough. With my little wanna be wrestlers, ninjas, and X-men, undoubtedly someone eventually begins to cry. And while they get angry at each other more than anyone else, they are able to learn to forgive and go for another round later in the day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all forgive so easily? I’m thankful for the example they set.
Understanding is a complex characteristic or quality. It is so multi-faceted. In life we all have a portion of understanding, but it is not like mashed potatoes and gravy where a bigger serving at the dinner table makes one more full. Understanding is gained year after year; so I guess each Thanksgiving meal one eats adds to their understanding and wisdom about life, about people, about relationships ... I’m thankful for that which I have gained and anxious for that which I can still glean.
Laughter is the best medicine ... I have heard it said so many times. It reminds me of that song from “Mary Poppins” about loving to laugh. As that example so clearly illustrated, laughter lifts you up, it lightens moods, it enhances feelings. Sometimes, it even makes your cheeks and belly hurt. I am so thankful for that kind of laughter.
Those are my reasons to be THANKFUL this holiday season. What are yours?
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