Sometimes I think back to different times in my life and imagine how I would have reacted to present circumstances. It's a great way to judge personal growth and maturity. Let me explain.
6 years ago the week of thanksgiving, I was newly pregnant with my now 5 year old son. I had just started feeling nauseated each morning within the previous week and what do you know, family members of mine all started coming down with the stomach flu. I remember this because I remember feeling sick to my stomach just thinking about the possibility of being exposed to it. Stomach flu + pregnancy nausea = bad attitude. Thankfully I avoided the dreaded sickness and it was a great thanksgiving year.
4 years ago I also avoided the stomach flu around thanksgiving, but there were family members who weren't so lucky and were not able to attend.
2 years ago was the first official Thanksgiving at my dad's house and yes, you guessed it... The stomach flu made its appearance just days before. There was talk of postponing, or relocating, or canceling all together. Lets face it, nobody really wants to be around anyone who has stepped within 3 feet of "it". Or maybe that's just me? #nofilter When it came to Turkey day, we all showed up and had a great time. Early the next morning I was sick as a dog, but Thanksgiving day was great.
Fast forward to 2016, the stomach bug is back and I've officially named it #theflemingcurse. I mean, it's becoming a pattern here... Once again our family is coming up with plan b, c, and d the day before thanksgiving because the original agenda has been compromised. This year it was my daughter who woke me up early thanksgiving morning with stomach issues and I kissed the thought of fried Turkey goodbye. Not in the cards for us this year.
Spiderwebbing back to the original thought... If I had had to miss thanksgiving dinner on any of those previous years due to sickness in the house, how would I have responded? I know it would have been easy to pout, throw a pity party, be depressed all day and make everyone in the house miserable. Sadly, I've thrown that kind of party before. Its awful lonely.
But can you be thankful on Turkey day even if you miss out on Turkey?
I believe you can. Because I am. You see, a little perspective goes a long way. There are a lot of things in my life that are not going my way. And this, this bug that ruined thanksgiving plans could have been the straw that broke the camel's back. But with perspective, there is still joy.
1. I was already scheduled to have the whole weekend off, so I was able to be a mother and lovingly take care of her without the added stress of calling in to work, losing needed hours and feeling guilty.
2. I don't have a whole lot of quality time with my kids anymore with our busy schedules and such the older they get. But today the 3 of us got to totally relax and basically do nothing. And it was it's own kind of wonderful.
3. Thanksgiving is so much more than Turkey. Its about truly having a day to reflect on your blessings, be with the ones you love and thank God for everything. And that's just what I did today.
There are countless things that happen in this life much more serious than #theflemingcurse. That's why it's so important to stop and reflect and never take anything or anyone for granted. Life is short. Life is precious. So hug your babies, call your mom, and never let a day go by without thanking the Father for all He has done.
And occasionally, look back at past trials and see how far you've come. Because if you're putting forth the effort to grow then you will surely see evidence of the potter's work in your life and heart. And that's proof my friends; proof that we are overcomers!
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