Thanksgiving To-Do List

You’re probably checking off your to-do list, just like me. Busy, busy. I’m fixing to run back by the grocery store to pick up one last ingredient that I missed yesterday. Then, it’s pie time. I’m baking two pies: Buttermilk and pumpkin.

I’ve got the girls to help set the table and I’m just plain excited. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the way things look and smell and of course, how they taste.

But mostly, I’m just so thankful to God. For his continuous care of me. His endless expression of love to me. And for the people he gave me that I call family.

About ten years ago, I started a tradition. I scatter craft paper leaves on the table. On the back is a name of each person in our family. Whoever you draw ~ you affirm. Out loud. It’s one of those things my family smirks at when I get those craft leaves out. But it’s also one of those things that I bet they’ll all do when they grow up and have kids of their own some day.

This year, Will 3 (our oldest), won’t be able to be here. He’s got a job in Denver and can’t take time off. It’s hard. Really hard. This is the first Thanksgiving we’ve ever had without him. That’s twenty-four whole years of seeing his face at that table. Things won’t be the same. I am going to miss his laugh. His razor, sharp sense of humor. His uncanny wisdom. And the way he appreciates my cooking.

It kind of takes my breath away just thinking of it.

But I don’t plan on letting him out of the leaf/affirmation thing. No way. I’ll be calling him in Denver ~ and whoever draws his name will get the chance to affirm him. The opportunity to affirm him. The blessing of affirming him.

I hope I draw his name …

In the middle of all the busy, don’t just count your blessings. Hug them. Tell them why you love them. And no matter where they are ~ include them and give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving,

How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age.Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child’s personality …thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people. ~ Sir John Templeton