Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. I confine this word strictly to the label of "holiday" far too often, no? Upon hearing this word, my mind immediately conjures up images of fantastic dinner spreads, and a brief respite from my mundane working life. But is not "thanksgiving" so much more? It is a concept, an action, a REaction that is ultimately within my jurisdiction to control...and yet, so often, I neglect it as something that is merely nice to have, and not a necessity. Ornamental to my life, but not vital.

I randomly stumbled upon the most recent entry of this blog (from a year ago) just this morning. Upon reading it and the one before it, a flood of memories flashed through my mind. Such an excruciatingly difficult time in my life...and yet, I've forgotten about it so quickly. The last 12 months have passed so quickly, and I haven't paused at all to think about where I am and what I've been through.

Now, I sit here in bed the morning after Thanksgiving, a night filled with awesome food and frenzied shopping up at the outlets in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As brief as this entry will be, it is necessary to count my blessings- for my current sanity and perspective, as well as my future reflection and remembrance. I'm still loved by friends and family that I'm infinitely grateful for, I'm a part of a church community where I'm being challenged and stretched in a number of different ways, I'm pretty content at my current job. Life is good.

Thanksgiving.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18