THANKSGIVING

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and before I sat down to eat turkey and all the trimmings, I intended to write on my Blog the things that I am grateful for in my life. There are, of course,  family and friends etc. but there are many more things in my everyday life that I am so thankful for, like the lovely sun that is pouring through the window this morning as I write this! And humor; God, what would we do without humor in our lives? Perhaps this is one of the greatest gifts man has given to himself and to each other. I could not live without it, and the people who have given me the greatest joy in life are also the most funny. So, to them, especially today, when I am thankful for my many blessings, I say thank you to them; those who are still here and those who are gone. So, once again, as I do each year, I will make my list of what I am most thankful for today...this moment; this day in 2011. I will include the sunshine I spoke of earlier, and also good friends, especially those who make me laugh, or laugh with me. I will also include good books that have kept me interested when I am bored to tears, and yes, beauty....beauty all around, especially the beauty I see everywhere in nature.Yesterday, after a large Thanksgiving meal at the farmhouse of my husband's grandparents that is still in the family, I took a long walk down the country road, and around the two lakes  there, and then sat on a bench in the sun as it shimmered over the water. A small piece of heaven for me, and a small piece of peace. I would be remiss if I did not say this year that I am also grateful for the wisdom I gather from the books I read, and the peace that comes from reading about those who have come before me, and struggled with the same issues and questions that I have. Their wisdom and words often bring comfort. And last, but not least, I must tell you that I am grateful for cinnamon rolls that have been a tradition on holidays for a very long time in our family. Slathered with butter, they melt in your mouth on a cool Thanksgiving morning with the fire in the fire place, the blanket covering your legs and that good book in your hand ready to read. So many wonderful "little" things to be thankful for; so little time.