Today is the day that I used to spend with my Grandparents, every year. My Grandpa passed away about 30 years ago and my Grandma passed in January 2006. God please rest both of their souls.
Today is a sad day for me because I am not at their house this year, and haven’t been for the past 4 years. But, today is also a happy day because for the last couple of years I have been at my brother’s house, and today I will be again, with my Parents. It has become a new tradition and I love it!
My brother has nine kids and it is fun, fun, fun at their house. My sister-in-law is one of my favorites and I love love love my nephews and nieces, so that makes it all the better.
Thanksgiving is the time of year we are suppose to reflect and think about what we are grateful for. Although I do not believe that we should create a holiday so people can think of what they are thankful for, people really do reflect. I think it has to do with the name. If we called it Pilgrim’s Day, we probably wouldn’t reflect.
Personally, I have made it a daily habit (every morning, noon, night, and in between) of considering what I am grateful for.
As I was traveling to my destination yesterday, I contemplated on what I am thankful for, besides the everyday stuff like the air I breath, the eyes I see with, the legs I walk on, my possessions, my home, family, and friends I get to hug. And here is what I came up with.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO ONLY CALL ME WHEN THEY NEED ME.
The reason I thought of this was because I have certain friends and brothers that call me for specific things. They never call because I they miss me, they wonder how I am doing, or because they want to hang out with me but they call when they need me to do something for them or they have problems and they need my help.
Now let me finish before you start making statements about my statements (giggle).
Okay, I am grateful for them because it reminds me that my love and my willingness to help are unconditional. When I give I do not expect or need something in return or I do not give because they give to me. My belief that to love and give is not a bargain, it is free.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR MY MOM AND HER NEED TO CONTROL MY EVERY MOVE.
As I grew up, my Mom and I fought, all the time, until I was about 35 (ten years ago). Well, it tapered off when I was 35 and slowly decreased to nearly not even an argument.
The reason we fought was because she was/is always telling me what to do from what to wear, how to wear it, how to wear my make up, how to drive, what route to take, what to say, how to say it, how to raise my son, and just how to be.
You are probably asking why on earth would you be grateful for that? I am grateful for that because her incessant need to do this does not disturb me a bit. What use to drive me nuts (the kind of nuts that I never wanted to be around her and/or I would constantly badger her), now is my acceptance and love for the way she is.
This is huge for me! I am so very grateful for her and the way she is and the way I am because it helps me realize, it takes two. I was getting angry and fighting with her because of her constant instruction (I called it nagging) and when I was able to change and start reacting differently, or not reacting, we have become best friends.
I have become the type of person, with my Mom, that doesn’t have to hate her until she acts the way I want her to act. My love is unconditional, meaning I do not need her to act a certain way toward me for me to love her.
Looking at these two points, that I am grateful for, really helps me see how far I have come. I have always preached that, “If we are unhappy then we have to do something about it.” It is so true and I also have always preached that, “We are in charge of and responsible for our thoughts, feelings, actions, and attitudes.”
What I want is to give love and support unconditionally. This is important to me because I don’t want to expect anything in return. Many people say this, I probably did too, and don’t really mean it or don’t do it.
I want to be like Jesus! He loved and gave to those in need. He did not give to those who only gave to him, and I am grateful for those people (My Mom, brothers, friends, and strangers) who give me the opportunity to be Christ like in my behavior.
Oh yeah,
I AM GRATEFUL FOR JESUS AND THE LOVE HE OFFERS YOU, MY FAMILY, AND ME!
AND
I AM GRATEFUL FOR HEAVENLY FATHER AND THE LOVE HE GIVES YOU, MY FAMILY, AND ME!
HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND GOD BLESS AMERICA THE LAND OF THE BRAVE AND THE HOME OF THE FREE!!!
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING AND DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN AND BE PLAYFUL.
