Note to Self

This week’s post is a note to myself. Feel free to read along.

Dear Linnea,

You always say Thanksgiving is your favorite holiday. And that’s partly because you love turkey with gravy and pumpkin pie and the way everyone sits around all afternoon drinking ridiculous amounts of coffee and talking. It’s also because you have fond childhood memories of Thanksgiving with your entire extended family filling your parents’ house at 103 Creek Court.

Now that you’re older you appreciate a different side of Thanksgiving—the lack of pressure. There are no gifts to buy and no crazy build up. Newscasters don’t accuse you of not spending enough and making the economy suffer. Thanksgiving is still mainly about, well, being thankful. All that’s required is some time in the kitchen and some time around the table, both of which you happen to love. And on top of all that, the junk food you eat is usually made from scratch. What could be better?

But somehow, Linnea, you are still capable of not enjoying Thanksgiving. So here is your lecture. Now is the time to stop focusing on the things you don’t have. Don’t let yourself miss out on the fun because you’re concentrating on minor irritations. If the scalloped potatoes you’re planning to make are a flop, let it go. No one’s going to starve with one less side dish. (Seriously, is it even possible for potatoes baked in cream to be bad?) And don’t whine about the fact that it’s 80 degrees or talk about how Thanksgiving should include coats and gloves. You live in Florida and it’s hot. Most people love it and think you’re weird because you don’t. Above all, don’t be sad that you’re far from your family in Michigan. Be thankful you have a family to miss, a family you’ll get to see soon enough at Christmas.

God has blessed you extravagantly. He loves you with an unfailing love.

And look at your husband and kids. Really, how is it you complain about anything at all ever? So stop right now and take a deep breath. Decide to celebrate this week by doing just what God tells you to do: give thanks. And really, how many times does the world encourage you to do exactly what God says? You have no excuse. Let the day be simple. Eat a lot of turkey (you can remind everyone you’re eating for two—lucky you!). Enjoy your family and friends. And thank God for it all.

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1

Reread as necessary. =)