More Than Thanks

Gobble! Gobble! It’s Turkey Day! Have you earned your meal?

Family sitting around a table. Multiple generations represented. Everyone smiling, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Music playing in the background. Children as happy as can be. People reunited. Connections re-established. Memories re-lived.

Isn’t this what Thanksgiving Day is all about?

1.       Leave the difficult past in the past. Instead of focusing on who hurt you, focus on how you grew from the experience. There’s a reason why things happened in your life. You may not yet understand that purpose, but trust me, there is one. Instead of dwelling on the pain of the past, focus on the hope of the future.

2.       Don’t get overconsumed in the marketplace. Yes, it can be loads of fun to go out into the masses for Black Friday shopping. But don’t lost sight of what’s important. Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness. Don’t abandon your loved ones to go waste time and money. Moments of togetherness cannot be bought and once you lose the time, you can’t get it back.

3.       Dig deeper and love harder. Many families will go around the dinner table and have each person share something he or she is thankful for. Allow your mind to stretch beyond the basics. There’s just so much to be thankful for! Life, family, friends, employment, housing, and transportation are only of few of them. But what more is there that can captured and shared?

I could barely contain myself this morning. I woke up before my alarm clock. I tried to lie still and wait until the right time to move. I prayed and I smiled until I couldn’t take the silence and stillness any longer. Although my alarm clock had a different plan, I knew it was time to get up and get moving.

I wasn’t excited about the turkey and macaroni. I was excited to spend time at the Turkey Trot running. I was excited that I wouldn’t be running alone. My husband was running too. And guess who else? All of my daughters. Even the gymnast. What an exciting time! I remember two years ago when the gymnast refused to run this same race and instead stayed back and held all of our extra belongings. How sweet! And no, she has not developed a love for running…at all. She did, however, find value in participating in an activity with her entire family. You see, we focus on experiences in my family. This morning was such a memorable experience. It’s one that I will never forget.

As my girls get older and we begin to discuss transitions, I have learned to embrace each moment. On this Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday, I am beyond grateful for the love that we exude here in the Greenhouse Effect. The connections that we share are priceless and indescribable. As we continue throughout the day, I pray that we will continue to grow together in unity. I also pray that you will dig deeper to find the things in your life that push you out of bed and into action. I pray that you develop a deep sense of affection that allows you to love harder that you ever imagined and to pour life into those with whom you come into contact, especially those who have once hurt you.

Be blessed and enjoy your Thanksgiving!