Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and over the years has become more and more special. I remember the first thanksgiving after coming out of the dark. I remember sitting down with my dad at the end of the holiday weekend and asked him "wasn't this the best thanksgiving we have ever had?" He turned and smiled at me and responded "Ashley, every thanksgiving is just like this one, this is just the first time you have been able to relax and enjoy it."
That was a turning point for me as I was resistant to taking meds for the OCD giant. It wasn't till that moment that I realized how much I loved life and the meds helped me live a full life.
Each Thanksgiving is special because we are forced to pause, reflect and think about the blessings we have. Before I drift off into a turkey coma I want to reflect about the things I am thankful for. I didn't do the Facebook thing and post daily the things I am thankful for, but I have thought all month long about them. I am full of thanks for:
1. God's presence in my life.
2. My husband. Not only does he love me, he makes me laugh and takes out the trash.
3. My precious miracle baby Addyson. She brings a joy to my life that I can't explain in words.
4. Parents who taught by example to love God and others.
5. My brother Brandon. He is my best friend even though we are complete opposites.
6. The Barnette family. I am so thankful for how they have welcomed me to their family and love them like my own!
7. My job and the insurance it provides for our family.
8. Two working cars.
9. Our house. Even though it is little it is comfy, warm and cozy.
10. The Word. It is my life book!
11. Gods provision in the past, present and future.
12. Chapstick
13. Hearing addyson laugh and giggle when her daddy tickles her at bedtime even though it drives me crazy I secretly love it.
14. Netflix
15. Trevecca Nazarene University and the influence it has had on my life. Meeting Andy there and now teaching there are dreams come true!
16. My snoring husband beside me on the couch. Even though his snoring drives me absolutely crazy I am thankful for couch nights with him.
17. Friends who have encouraged and supported me this year.
18. Starbucks Carmel brûlée lattes
19. The college girls who watch Addyson for me while I work or when Andy and I have a date night. They make me a better mom knowing addyson is loved and taken care of.
20. I am so thankful for this blog, the people who read it and the way it has not only helped me but how it is helping others on their journey.
21. My bedroom, it is my safe place. My bed and blankets make me happy and relaxed.
22. Crockpot liners. Thank you to whoever invented them!
23. My health. I may be a germ freak but I'm so thankful for my health and the medical people in the world who can make me better if I get sick.
24. Sweet tea
25. Reading books. The real thing. Being able to open a book, turn pages and smell the paper.
26. FaceTime! Living far away from family is the hardest thing...especially at the holidays but having FaceTime makes it a little easier.
27. Naps
28. Sanibel Island
29. My cousin Lindsay and our Black Friday shopping tradition. Even though it's been a couple years since we have gone together we still go and text each other the day of. The memory of screaming "Thank you Target workers" with her is unforgettable and brings a smile to my face.
30. Living fully present in the moment.
Great article Ashley. I am not sure I fully embrace crock pot liners as you do, but your list is outstanding. Happy Thanksgiving from your Houston-based family.
ReplyDelete