Some years ago, I wrote a Thanksgiving reflection that, in retrospect, seems rather negative to me. I wrote that the period from Thanksgiving through Christmas was my least favorite time of the year. The holiday hype really got to me, and it just seemed to be all about consuming, comparing, and other such craziness. I felt that way for many years. That particular year, the feeling seemed even more magnified, probably because of some difficulties in my life.
This past year I have tried to stop and appreciate the blessings that are always present alongside the curses. I'm allowing myself to enjoy life a bit and find more balance, and this month, I'm trying to focus on the season's real meaning. Thanksgiving is simply a time to pause and be grateful, so I took some time this week and gathered photos from the past year. My husband and I moved into an older home, renovated it, and have already created so many beautiful memories. We enjoyed sunrises, sunsets, and moonrises at a nearby lake. We went kayaking, fed the animals, and watched the birds.
Looking back at the video, you would think we had a perfect year and simple life. That wasn't my intention when I was creating it. Believe me, our life is far from perfect or simple. Like most people, we've had some significant difficulties, and this past year was no different. I had some health issues, and I could not be as active as I like to be for many days and weeks. After almost a year of searching, I have found some answers, and I've learned to cope. More importantly, I've learned to recognize the incredible gift of my health. Now when I'm feeling well, I have an extra spring in my step, and I want to take full advantage of all that my body can do. I don't want an hour to go by that I'm not recognizing and appreciating the gift of my body and its abilities and senses. I enjoy bike rides like a child, kayaking as if it's an amazing opportunity, baking, reading, thinking, watching the birds — you name it. Whatever it is, I know that it's a gift, and it won't last forever.
The curses of life have always been there, and I think they always will be. I simply refuse to let my one and only gift of life go by without recognizing the numerous blessings that always exist right beside the curses. One of my favorite Bible verses is: "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19). This Thanksgiving and holiday season, I want to choose to live, but that doesn't mean I'll be consuming, comparing, and getting caught up in the craziness. Instead, I hope to slow down, be present, and continue to notice the "good and perfect gifts" that I've been given, all of which come down from above (James 1:17).
Read more reflections in When on Earth: Discovering Christian Spirituality in the Daily Happenings of Ordinary Life.