I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I like it because there is no pressure with Thanksgiving. No gifts to buy, no Easter outfits to purchase, it's about getting together with those you love. I like Christmas and Easter but Thanksgiving is easier to hang and enjoy family. At Christmas I sometimes worry about getting the right gift, will it be liked, did I go to far with the purchase. One year I had my parents say to me "You wasn't supposed to get us a gift." And they were seriously offended not to the point of ruining the day but enough to say something. I don't enjoy that part of holidays but Thanksgiving is just about gathering, praying, eating, telling the same stories every year but they still make you laugh, taking a fast nap, more food, more conversation. It's the best.
I love Thanksgiving because it's what all holidays are intended for, to get together with friends and family, to reflect on what God has given us and to enjoy the company of others. Thanksgiving feels warm, cozy, and not rushed.
My dad is going to be 60 on New Years Eve. That's not old but it's a significant enough age for me to wonder- "Am I spending enough time with my parents?" My dad prayed over the meal this year. In the past he's delegated the prayer to me or to one of my brothers but he prayed this year. As he was praying I was thinking he should pray every year. His prayers are thoughtful, thankful, well paced, they're real, and you feel God in them. I would love to hear my father prayer more at most occasions so I can take it in. My dad wasn't much of a spiritual leader growing up but today when he prays it carries leadership, weight and history. It's like he glues the occasion together with his prayers. I love my dad and mom and I'm going to enjoy every moment God allows me to be with them.
It wouldn't be right for me to finish a post about Thanksgiving without saying what I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for a heavenly Father who loves me and all others. I'm grateful for creation, I love being in the woods. I have my health, a wife who really loves me. My three sons are a blessing, they challenge me daily and keep my head in the game. I was blessed with 20 acres this year, which is why I started this blog. I'm glad I'm close to family, that my parents are still healthy. I get to do what I love for a living- sing. I'm thankful for the gifts and talents God has given me. I live in a place where I can pursue my passions. I very grateful for the success Father has given me. It is God who has given me the power to live life. I'm thank for the bible- how it guides me in stressful times. I am blessed in many ways, to many to mention them all.
