Everyday stresses get in the way of appreciation sometimes. Work gets overwhelming, the baby is up all night, the dog pukes all over the floor, you live in the car racing from one commitment to another, you gain 10 pounds, laundry and dishes pile up…it’s all just so much. It’s so easy to lose perspective. That’s why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Because it provides a deep breath and a chance to realize that although a bunch of little things might go wrong every day, the big things that count are all going right.
Once upon a time, not too long ago, our life suddenly fell apart. Mike and I were dealt a blow that we couldn’t fix…that wasn’t in our control…and we lost a precious piece of our hearts forever. As we worked through our insurmountable grief and adjusted to a new normal, I remember saying “won’t it be great when the only things stressing us out are the NORMAL things.”
This Thanksgiving, I am blessed to be stressing about the clutter and the chaos. The normal things. I am blessed to have a husband who is a true partner on this crazy ride, my best friend who I love more than anyone. We are blessed with two amazing, healthy, happy, joyful daughters here on Earth, and we are blessed with our angel, Hannah, who guides us every day. We are blessed with our crazy old dog who makes our house a home, our loving and supportive parents and siblings, sweet nieces and nephews, and dear friends. I get to work my dream job, and I love the life we have built together.
“Perfect” is a mindset. There is always going to be noise that drowns out what really matters. I’m looking forward to turning off that noise tomorrow, and focusing on the most important things. I hope you and your “most important things” have a lovely, peaceful Thanksgiving.
Beautifully said.