It is Thanksgiving Day, and I am at home sitting in front of a roaring fire… So much is going through my mind as I think about all of my many blessings. This year I’ve been a little under the weather and wasn’t able to travel to join my family for Thanksgiving. So I’ve stayed in my pajamas all day …

A local store sold delicious individual turkey dinners, so I bought one. And as I put my items on the store’s counter, I tried to hide the

turkey dinner so no one would see it and feel sorry for me that I was going to be alone on Thanksgiving.

Since my husband, Steve, died almost nine years ago, I have tried to focus on the thought that holidays and special occasions are “just another day”. It helps me try not to have high expectations so I am not let down or disappointed. And it truly helped me today.

I have focused on gratitude… on being grateful for the countless blessings God has showered upon me… chief among them, my faith, my three incredible children and their spouses… my six precious grandchildren and my wonderful group of friends.

I may have been physically alone today… but I have felt so surrounded by the love and support of my family and friends. It has warmed my heart and filled my day with such joy.

As we now head into the Christmas season, may I hold on to that beautiful thought of “thanks and giving” … so that my heart stays focused on the “real reason for the season”. May I take the time to be present to those around me… and may I realize love is far better to give than any present…

And may I take the time to sit quietly with God… to share time with Him.. to thank Him for His great gifts to me… With so many awful things happening around the world, may I take the time to pray for those who have lost loved ones … those whose lives have been forever changed by horrific acts of violence.

Freedom comes at a cost… may I remember this holiday season and always those who gave their lives for our freedom … may I remember their families left behind… and all those who serve today near and far.

May I take the time to hug my loved ones a little longer… tell those I love that I love them… reach out to someone in need… reach out to someone who is alone.

May I always be filled with “thanks and giving” twelve months a year.