Thanksgiving is almost upon us!
To be completely transparent, I’m feeling a little stressed. Not because I’m hosting and cooking the turkey for the first time ever.
Just thaw it the day before, right?
Kidding! I know I need to thaw it several days ahead of time. : ) And not in the microwave! ; )
The stress is not because we are throwing my son a birthday party two days after Thanksgiving. It’s at a play place, and most of the preparation is already done.
It’s not even because of our Operation Christmas Child boxes. In years past I’d spend forever trying to make each box special and perfect. This year, my husband did them all, while I worked on a school project with one of our kids. The presents were just as special. But my husband made all the decisions and made them all fit into the boxes. I love him. <3
The stress might have a tiny bit to do with the fact that another big school project is due in mid-December. It keeps hovering in my consciousness, but we can’t do anything to banish it until other battles are fought.
In reality, I think the stress comes because life continues as usual with its deadlines, meals to cook, laundry to plan to fold (and actually fold every now and then), work, dishes, etc., etc.
And added to that normal load are all the hopes and dreams we have for the holidays AND the opportunities, expectations, and requests that others lob our way. Each time we must decide whether to catch or to dodge and let them fall. All the while, we know that our children only have eighteen Christmases with us until they are adults. More than half have passed for my oldest. (Holding back sobs!)
Thanksgiving is almost here. Christmas soon after.
I’m stressed. What am I to do?
The answer is so simple, I smile.
I take a breath. I push away the trappings and wrappings of the season, and I suddenly have room to kneel. To give thanks with a grateful heart.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me, for your many blessings, for all you have provided.
And what often follows.
Please help me, Lord. Help me be wise in spending my seconds—to love well, to take time where needed, and to let go of what doesn’t fit.
And what often follows… is a whole lot more! Oh, it feels so good to talk to God, to listen to his gentle whispers in my heart, and to read his word.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
I am so glad that I can cast my cares as often as needed. Daily, at least. : )
Happy (and peaceful and restful) Thanksgiving, Friends!
Jenny
PS. I have the perfect giveaway to go with this blog! Comment here or on my Facebook Giveaway Post with something you are thankful for by 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 20, 2018, and I’ll enter you in the drawing to win this Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar. On the outside it shows the hustle and bustle of Christmas. But as you remove one panel at a time (Thirty-two panels in all—each with a scripture on the back), the true meaning of Christmas is revealed in a beautiful Nativity illustration. (It’s quite beautiful and touching on the inside. I grew up with this calendar and was so thrilled to win a few at a local church festival. My kids will be enjoying it this Christmas, and I hope you know some kids who will get to enjoy one, too.) ***
*** Giveaway Rules: Only one randomly selected winner will be chosen. Giveaway only open to those in the contiguous United States of America. Contest ends at 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 20, 2018. The winner will be contacted and then given 48 hours to respond. If the winner doesn’t respond in 48 hours, he or she will be disqualified from winning and a new winner will be chosen.
Love this! I’m so thankful for friends like you and Matt!! Love you guys and hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Awww! Love you and thankful for you and Josh, too!!! <3 <3 I've got you entered. : ) Happy Thanksgiving!!
i am thankful for my hardworking, creative husband and my smart, funny and healthy boys!
Oh, those are truly gifts to treasure and be thankful for! <3 I could second those thoughts for my own family!! Thanks, Amy! I've got you entered.
I’m thankful for my family & friends!
<3 I love your family!!! Your friends are pretty wonderful, too. ;)
I’m thankful for this blog post, which I really need to read! I’m thankful for my family, my husband and two beautiful daughters. I’m thankful for extended family and wonderful friends. For warm heat on this cold night. For a full belly. For a comfortable bed. For the laughter and giggles that now fill my house, which seemed too silent only a few years ago. For my friendship with my Lord and Savior, who has brought me more blessings than I can count. I am thankful for everything.
Love this. So beautifully put and so true. <3
I am thankful for my parents. They host thanksgiving every year. I know it’s stressful for them. It makes life so much easier for me!
That’s awesome! My parents host every year, too. It’s so nice! My husband’s side of the family are also fabulous hosts. But since I offered to take a turn, they are giving me a chance. 😉 My sis-in-law is a great cook and will bring several sides, so no one ever has to do it all. : ) As long as I keep that turkey out of the microwave, I think we’ll be good! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Love this. I toi grew up with Advent calendar and carried the tradition withmy two kiddies.now I’m helping Raise my first grandchild my youngest daughter blessed us with and she just turned 1 years old on Halloween day.so having our 1st Christmas where she understands (she was 2 months old last Xmas) this is going to be the funnest holidays and I’m gonna teach her all our traditions. Happy holidays and thank you for the chance to win
Oh, what a special age and time!!! Blessings to you all this Thanksgiving and Christmas! I’ve got you entered. 🙂
Great blog Jenny! I am thankful for breaks and pauses that we have in life that make up stop and remember what is really important Life is too busy, and I truly cherish having family bonding time and really connecting with one another.
Love this, Jennifer! <3 How I cherish those heart to heart conversations and special times together. Blessings to you and your beautiful family as you gather together in the upcoming weeks!