Thanksgiving. There are so many memories that come flooding back as I anticipate celebrating Thanksgiving this week. Memories from childhood. Memories from adulthood without kids. Memories with my husband and children. Memories from America. And now, memories from Indonesia.
I am thankful for Thanksgiving. I truly enjoy this holiday. Not because of all the delicious food, yet, at the same time, because of all the delicious food.
With each step taken in preparing the mouth-watering meal (does anyone else find it funny that at the mere thought of the food on this holiday your mouth begins to water?), a memory springs happily forth...or is being created. And a smile warms my heart.
The heat from the oven reminds me of hours of talking and laughing side-by-side with my mom in the kitchen as I learn how to cook. Beating the hot potatoes into creamy goodness reminds me of the countless years of hilariously finding splattered blotches of potato on the walls days later. Deviled eggs will forever remind me of my dad teaching me how to successfully steal the already carefully-made eggs from the fridge without being caught! Learning from Corey's mom that a turkey can, in fact, be cooked to perfection inside of a brown paper bag! And the smell of the turkey, that so beautifully permeates the entire house as it deliciously transforms into golden brown, is an unspoken, yet unmistakable, "Welcome!" to all who enter the home. All beautiful and treasured memories and traditions.
Then, it's time...sitting down to the carefully decorated table, with all the hours of hard work displayed before me, I look around the table into the full eyes of each of the blessings in my life. We laugh over a delicious meal together. We are building upon our long-standing relationship, or perhaps creating a beautiful foundation for a newly-developing one. Whether a beloved family member or a dear friend; whether I've known them my entire life or I just met them today - they are here and they are a gift. From this point on, they now will be a part of my Thanksgiving memories. I have shared a little piece of my life with them, and they in return. They are another reason that I give thanks to God. For He has been good to me throughout my life. And because of Him, I am satisfied.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things..." Psalm 103:1-5
Happy Thanksgiving! May your celebration be full of thanks to God and enjoyment of the blessings that He has given you today...and the ones you remember from years past!
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