Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Giving Thanks




Thanks giving arrives in just 3 hours!!


I had the day off today...and mostly I read... I read a book that had come highly recommended several years ago...."The five people you meet in heaven" It is a quick read....took only a few hours..with breaks well worth it. I really enjoyed the idea of continued growth and learning after death... although I don't think we need to wait to die to find out why we came to earth.

Things have been a little stressful in my life recently....While I won't go into any details, it has taken its toll on my general optimism about life.

I like to think that in general I take a very "Pollyanna" approach to life....If you have never seen the movie...go rent it! It is a classic...a little Corny...but classic none the less. I really try to always look for the silver lining. I know that something good can come of any situation when you play the glad game.

I can get so mad at Edgar when he looks into the future and only sees the negative. the truth is...We have no idea what the future holds. And that is the first thing I am thankful for this thanksgiving... Thankful for an uncertain future with room for alternative endings to what we think they might be... It leaves room for miracles, optimism, pessimism and the chance to live just today...because we can't know what tomorrow brings.

With the economy being so volatile...I am thankful for a stable job, with an income that meets my needs. I am thankful that people don't seem to be panicked....I am glad that I can give this holiday season. In many ways to many organizations. This year I am giving a new coat to winter warm up, adopt a family at work, and food drives and I really want to give to an organization that provides recreational opportunities to inner city youth. I hope I can encourage anyone who is reading to give generously....skip expensive christmas presents and remember those in need.

A few years ago some really yukky stuff happened between one of my best friends and I and we slowly drifted apart...until we didn't talk at all for a couple of years.... Well this year both of us were finaly able to forgive and let go of the past. Although we are both pretty different people now than back then..... It feels so good to have her back in my life. I am thankful for my friends and the chance I have had to have such close friends that know ALL of my "secrets" and like me still anyway!

It has been a wonderful year filled with both the usual and the unusual ups and downs. This year in particular I felt more close to my family. I had the chance and honestly a desire to spend more time with everyone. I think family group things where hard when I was married to Paul, I always felt so alone. Now whether by myself or with Edgar I feel more a part of my family...I have really enjoyed it. I am very very thankful for my family!

Although anyone standing on the outside looking in at me would have a hard time finding religion in my life....I am still a believer....I just need a lot more practice! I have never forgotten my roots. I love My heavenly father very much. I don't feel like I fit very well in church. This year I have prayed more than in the prior few....I am So thankful and Glad that he is there for me despite my sins and attitudes. Thank you dear lord for all the blessings and gladness this world can and does bring. Heavenly father, please bless those children tonight who suffer so much pain in the hospital from cancer and other diseases.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Lovely post, Brenda. I, too, often feel out of place a bit at church. Scientist moms attending school, doing research, and will work outside the home are hard to come by in this church. I just keep going, knowing that others' opinions of me don't really matter, though I'd like to find some good friends here. Friends are so important, and I've found some long lost ones this fall, too. It's been really nice to connect again. Have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow, and give everyone hugs for us.