Thankfulness around the table
A tradition that was started in our family was to go around the table and for each person to say or express what they are thankful for this past year. We had a total of nine family and friends able to participate this year, and everyone at our Thanksgiving table listed family as one of the most important things they were grateful for. I wholeheartedly agree and here are a couple of reasons why:
It was Wednesday night. I was standing in the kitchen baking squash rolls for the meal the next day. Jessica was hard at work. Helping to prepare the meal? No…actually doing work work, and did so all the way up to 11pm. She was exhausted, but my dear wife hung in there and actually was able to put together two pies for the next day. She got to bed at 2am. I am so thankful for her diligence that evening, and each and every day we are together.
Another interesting note was on Wednesday night we threw in the towel in going out to purchase some folding chairs to add to our table. We only have six chairs - and with a total of 11 people (counting the kids) coming to help share thankfulness — we didn’t know what to do. So I called my folks who were down at the beach for a favor. I asked them to borrow their chairs from their kitchen since they were not going to be using them. They sounded surprised when I offered my thanks. Now you must know this to understand, but I don’t like to ask people for help or favors. I guess it is just part of my nature, but in doing so I feel like I am weak in some aspect or another. Maybe this is a “guy” thing or some would call it a “macho man” thing … I would like to think of it as dependability. So to call my folks for a favor was hard. There I admit it. And when they said we could borrow their chairs, I then started expressing my joy and thankfulness to them. Now that I am a parent I understand that you would do anything to help your children in times of dire need. I am thankful for them as my parents. They are constantly helping me bear my burdens and encourage me in time of weakness.
Two reasons I am thankful for my loving family and their kind and gentle hearts.
