In case anyone hasn't looked at a calendar, or the television, or the coupons in the paper, Thursday is Thanksgiving once again. I know many of our retailers would rather rename it "Shopapalooza Day," but I do insist on taking a moment to remember the true intent of this holiday - and showing a little bit of gratitude to The Big Guy Upstairs.
(No, Hubby's NOT home. I'm talking about the BIGGER Guy, up the HIGHER Stairs!)
For instance, I am so thankful for whoever invented stretchy jeans. Because without them, Lord, I never would have managed (with just a bit of heaving and hoeing!) to have yanked on a pair (and buttoned them!) of my pre-pregnancy jeans last week. It was vain, and I do apologize for that, but boy did it feel great!
I am very much thankful for my friends, the new ones and the old ones. The ones who have allowed me to help them, and the ones who have taken the time to help me. I am especially thankful for the ones who, through their own personal trials and hardships, have allowed me to recognize how truly blessed I am.
I am thankful for chocolate cake pops and a young Miss Priss, who decided to defy me when I declared that, after eating cake batter and (more than) a few fallen cake pops, we were NOT going to eat the remainder of the melted dark mint chocolate we had been dipping the pops into. I had put the bowl next to the sink, turned around to clean the counter, and when I turned back, guess who's blond head was hovering over the bowl, ferociously licking the spoon? The evidence was all over her face, and she was immediately sent to a time out.
Five minutes later (because, yes, she turned FIVE!!! And I am so very thankful that she's made it this far!) I went over to her corner to determine if she'd learned her lesson. During our little chat, however, I couldn't help but notice how much cleaner her face now appeared.
In particular, the area encircling her mouth, which looked to be about tongue-reach.
"Priss....did you spend your whole time-out eating the CHOCOLATE off your FACE???"
"Yes, mommy!" She admitted, more than a little wild-eyed from her sugar high.
I had to laugh. Not only because of my own chocolaty/sugar high that I was riding, but because of the very valuable lesson my little five-year-old showed me that day.
That sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances that are beyond our control. But if you look carefully, you can find a bit of sweet joy in those circumstances, too.
In fact, sometimes, it's
right
under
your
nose.
And, as usual, I am so thankful to God for all of our daily blessings. For my loving family, and the good food we have to eat, and the beautiful roof over our heads. I am thankful for Miss Priss' inventiveness, and Miss Sunshine's sweetness, Eddie's security and Hubby's love.
And if I could ask one thing of You, Lord, it's that everyone, in this holiday week of Thankfulness and Family, will find the chocolate on their faces.
And then take a moment to give thanks for it.
