For many folks, Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the whole year. Nothing is expected except food, and that usually comes in waves, carried by visiting throngs passing over the host’s threshold. The day is an exceptional holiday, when all a body has to do is eat until stuffed, and maybe grab a quick glance at TV featuring a large balloon floating over Macy’s or a Hail Mary college pass. Of course, there are also wedges of pumpkin and apple pie being passed on dessert plates.
It is a day of sharing and appreciating all the good things that have blessed us throughout the year. Thanksgiving makes us all feel warm and wonderful!
What are you thankful for this year? When making out a list, most of us instantly name the big things: good health, family, friends, success, a job, and a roof over our heads.
It’s the season when we count our blessings. Thanksgiving is a time of taking stock of what we have, and surely our spouse gets a top spot on that list. We choose our partners to go through life together with us. Their help and companionship make our lives rich and interesting.
Take time out to be thoughtful about your partner. What made you say “yes” to this person? How often lately have you thanked each other just for “being there”? Your partner probably has been there for you even when you haven’t been “the perfect date.” How often recently have you said “thank you,” merely because you felt it?
It’s nice on this holiday that we get a reminder to look a bit closer at what we have, instead of what we don’t have. Here’s a super idea: Why not be thankful every day and express our emotions often to those we love?
We’re also thankful for . . . the beauty of the desert, forest, and ocean; a baby’s first smile; the thrill of a roller coaster; a song that brings a memory; the aroma of your favorite supper waiting for you. We remember the farmers, who keep this country in food; our servicemen and women, police, and fire fighters . . . the list will be endless and so very personal. Each of these little things brings joy and happiness into our lives, one experience at a time.
This Thanksgiving, focus on all the things, small and large, that you are thankful for about your spouse or significant other. As a wise woman once said, “Cherish the little things in life; one day you’ll realize they were really the big things.”
