Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I have no recipe for you this week. If you don’t know what you are making by now, I can’t help you. But I do have some thoughts to share.
The past year has been a year of transition with many changes for me and, by extension, to my family. It has been a year of growth and self-actualization and it has not been easy. True change seldom is. And while it is sometimes difficult and unpleasant on a day to day basis, over the holidays it is damn hard.
Our tendency is to reflect sadly on what once was and to be angry at the circumstances and people who have forced the change upon us. We think about large family gatherings, filled with love and laughter, and we mourn for them. We worry about the years going forward and think the future could never be as good. And we struggle with today and how to navigate it.
Which is why a day of thankfulness and reflection feels exactly right to me.
When I reflect upon the people who have stood by me this year and marched beside me on my journey, I am thankful.
I am thankful for my family whose unconditional love for me is as great as mine for them. (And for proving this to me!)
I am grateful for my friends who came forward, some of whom were an unexpected gift.
I am grateful for my home and my town. I am grateful for my love of food which has given me a framework in which to place myself and a roadmap to explore opportunity.
And I am grateful for you, my readers. You give me an audience for my thoughts and ideas, which kind of amazes me. When I hear that someone has made a recipe I posted and enjoyed it that makes my day. The idea that out there somewhere I have added a little bit of cooking love to someone’s life is wonderful.
So tomorrow (or whenever) you sit down at the table, take minute to look at those around you. Remember the Thanksgivings of the past with gratitude that you had them. Live in the moment of this Thanksgiving and leave the future to reveal itself as it will, not necessarily as you will it. And for one moment hold on to what is good right now and be grateful.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
No Recipe! Just love and thanks!
Really nice post. A good time for reflection for all. Very much enjoy your recipes, although I really don’t post. Enjoy the holiday. We’ll all be here God willing, Friday and beyond.
Thank you. I hope you enjoyed your holiday. Now it’s on to the next one!