Is it just me, or does it seem a bit of an oxymoron that within one 24-hour period, our country goes from "I'm so thankful for the little things" to "GET OUT OF MY WAY OR I WILL RUN YOU OVER IN MY PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT GIFT?!"? I really don't get it. I worked retail during my college years, and I cannot understand the temptation to go out and fight the crowds in order to save a few bucks. In recent years, I have endured "Black Friday" on a couple of occasions with family members, and I have decided it just isn't worth it to me. I prefer to stay home on the Friday after Thanksgiving, spend time with my family, take a nap (or two), and relax. I enjoy shopping, but not in a rush, and not with a thousand other people within a 20 ft. radius. So, just to clarify, you will not have to fight me for the final (insert gift of choice here). I will be at home...on my couch...in my pajamas. Help yourself to the Black Friday bounty. :)
And, now that we have that cleared up...my list of things I am thankful for (a day late but I really started this post on Wednesday, so still valid, right?)...
1-My Jesus, who loves me unconditionally. Amazing...
2-My hubby, who has put up with me for 18 years and still loves me. He is an incredible daddy to numbers 3, 4, and 5...I am so blessed.
3-My Ashton, who makes me crazy with her teenage sassiness, but blesses my life in so many other ways because of her faith, intelligence, beauty, and love of life.
4-My Jonas, who makes me smile daily with his quick wit and smart mind. His sloppiness at age eleven is a test of my patience, but I guess it is making me a stronger person (or something positive like that).
5-My Thomas, who brings joy to his mama's heart with his smile, belly laughs, and mischievous ways. I sometimes feel I am too old to have a 20-month-old, but God has a sense of humor and perfect timing, and I am so thankful for my sweet surprise baby.
6-My parents, who have constantly set a godly example for me in their lives. They are always supportive and eager to participate in our daily lives, even if it is via phone calls since they live almost a thousand miles away.
7-My sister, who will listen to me rant, offer advice, tell me the truth when I need to hear it, and is a wonderful mommy to my precious niece.
8-Long distance friendships where quick phone calls are cherished communication.
9-New local friendships that are teaching me new things about myself and others.
10-My church...the community of believers that is truly a family.
11-My job...even when it is stressful, I realize I am blessed to be able to work from home so I can better care for my bambino and the rest of my family, too.
12-Delicious food...I thoroughly enjoyed the squash dressing and cranberry salad yesterday...my two Thanksgiving favorites.
13-Needs that are met...we received a call from our rental agent yesterday saying the septic in our home in FL was backed up, and he wanted permission to call a septic company. We felt horrible our tenants had to deal with this on Thanksgiving, but we were also concerned about it costing an exorbitant amount due to the holiday. Hubby called to give the company payment information, and he ended up speaking with a high school classmate. We aren't sure if that had anything to do with it, but we found out the bill is only $300...the exact amount we had set aside for Christmas. Even though we will now have to come up with more money for Christmas gifts, we know this unforeseen expense is handled, and that is indeed a blessing.
Our pastor spoke last Sunday about a truly thankful heart being one that is thankful in all circumstances. I am working on it...what about you?
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