Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Thanksgiving Spirit



Because of my whole thesis “drama” I had a hard time getting into the Thanksgiving Spirit this year. I was too busy freaking out over other things. But I watched as some friends and family members posted their “thanks” on Facebook this year and I was impressed with what they found to be thankful for. These posts helped me through a stressful fall and reminded me to give thanks.



My former co-worker and friend, Julie Sherwood, posted some amazing patriotic things she was grateful for. I agreed with her and wished I could be as eloquent in my thanks for my country and countrymen who have sacrificed so much for us.

My friend and Chaparral alum, Marcela Kofford, posted her excitement and thanks at seeing her sister again after so many years apart. I admit, I teared up over that one. I imagined myself living far away from my sisters and not being able to see them or my family for years.

My sister-in-law, Carolyn Mohler, gave thanks to an understanding policeman who realized baby Charlie dialing 911 was an accident and didn’t give her grief for it. I chuckled over that one and was grateful for her sense of humor in sharing this incident.

My sister, Terresa Wellborn (the Chocolate Chip Waffle blogger), asked people what they were bringing to the Thanksgiving table this year. The answers ranged from silly to serious, but it was her grateful heart that shown through that question and on her blog.

I have an idea. What if instead of thinking about what we’re thankful for once a year, we think about it once a day? Can you imagine how much happier you’d be if instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, you dwell on what you do? We have an abundance to be thankful for.

I’ll go first.

Here are my top 5:
I’m thankful for my husband and for my boys. They boost me, support me, and love me.

I’m thankful for my family and friends. They accept me with all of my faults and forgive me when I need it.

I’m grateful for my health and my life. Every time I run I think of my friend, Megan Kiehl, who passed away several years ago from ALS. She had been in a wheelchair and then bedridden. I took my body for granted until she was diagnosed.

I’m thankful for my job. I love it and I’m never bored with it or the kids.

I’m grateful for my life experiences---the good and the bad. They have made me who I am today.


What are you thankful for?

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tear-up with the comment about Megan. I too think of her often:)
    Great thankful post!

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  2. In no particular order: children who like to read (mine especially), all things chocolate, a husband who is patient, a loving Heavenly Father who is also patient, Primary children who teach me so much, and the endless possibilities we greet when rising each new day.

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  3. Thanks Reba! I am a better person for having known Megan. Heavenly Father blessed us through her, you know what I mean? Those were good days back in the 97th ward. :o)

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  4. I'm thankful my brother finally has a wife who actually loves him. : )

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  5. I did a month of gratitude on my blog and it changed my perspective on being thankful for the small things. Great post!

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  6. Today I'm thankful for new opportunities, my handsome hubby, my inquisitive kids, Christmas time, and brownies with chunks of Reeses Peanut Butter Chips inside...
    I need to ask you about your thesis sometime. What an awesome accomplishment!

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