Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

We're spending the holiday in Tennessee with some of James's family. It's so beautiful here. I'm sitting right now at a desk, looking out giant windows at the rolling hills covered in autumn foliage. The weather is pure perfection: cool but not cold. Joel has been playing barefoot out on the front porch all morning, happy as can be.

I feel immeasurable gratitude for my many blessings. As trite as it may be, I am determined to express these thoughts of thanksgiving today. For, what better time is there?

Today, I feel especially grateful for the lovely places I get to live and stay. I have my complaints about the superficial deficiencies of our house, but then I remember how fortunate we are to own a comfortable and spacious home! Also, I have the opportunity on a pretty regular basis to travel and stay with family. This week, we're enjoying the beautiful surroundings of my in-laws' home in Tennessee. In a couple of weeks, I get to take my children to Utah to spend Christmas at my parents' house. These are true blessings in my life!

As I ponder on the things for which I am grateful, I keep thinking about my education. I feel like many people in my life take this for granted, as I know I sometimes do. It's so easy to think that "everyone" has access to quality schooling, but unfortunately that is just not true. I was lucky in the schools I attended, and blessed to have parents who made my education a priority. I had the privilege of attending university, and through a combination of my parents' help, scholarships, and my own work, I graduated debt-free. Though I have not pursued the career I majored in, the education I gained has benefited me throughout my life since. I am incredibly thankful for these circumstances.

Above all other things, I am grateful for my family, extended and immediate. I am really, truly blessed to have so many people who love me (friends included!) There are so many people in the world who do not have those close bonds, and that support system. It affects every aspect of my life. My loving husband is the joy of my heart--the knowledge that James loves me is the bedrock of my sanity! I love him so dearly, and I am so thankful for his daily support and encouragement. And I am so grateful to be a mother. It is undeniably hard at times. But as I sit here and watch Joel play, my heart just swells with love for him, and for Xander. How I treasure my dear, sweet boys!

Sappy though this post may be, it comes from my heart. I try to always remember my blessings. But today, it is my privilege to express them to all, and give thanks to my Father above for all He has given.