I am Thankful
On this Monday of Thanksgiving week, I feel excited and compelled to write how thankful I feel for so many things. I thought about just making a list; it would fill plenty of space, but I’ll highlight a few of my favorite things instead. (I bet you sang the song in your head!)
The first thing I am beyond thankful for is my little circle of husband and kids. This is a tight-knit relationship. They “get” me and I love them for it. I am not always the easiest person at home. Sometimes I think I save all the worst parts of me for the people I feel safest with. It’s not intentional, but maybe more like the kindergartener who is a dream all day for their teacher, but comes home and lets it all hang out with their mom. I am thankful for a place where I can let down my hair and still be loved. They’ve seen me at my worst and best, and I hope they know that everything I do is for them.
Coming at a close second are my parents. When God chose me to be theirs, I started a life filled with love and protection. My parents are the types of people that you won’t soon forget once you meet them. I have the very best of both of them flowing through my veins. Add in my bonus parents and their families, and I can’t describe the level of thankfulness I feel for them. They’ve all taught me to have love and compassion for others, and that unconditional love is a real thing. I’ve made some decisions that weren’t the best, but not for a millisecond did their love fade. I am beyond thankful for that.
My line of thankfulness extends to my next circle of family. My grandmothers (and grandparents who have passed), in-laws, brother, sisters-in-law, step-sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins (and their kids who fall into my niece and nephew category) are some of my biggest blessings. I was able to grow up in a time and place where extended families still spent a lot of time together. Getting the chance to see them fills my heart probably more than they know, or that I can express. I love them and they love me. When I see them it’s like no time has passed. They cheer me on and help me see the bigger picture that I am a part of. We are a family that is different than most and I am beyond thankful for that.
My friends are next. I would not be the person I am today without the deep friendships I have had throughout my life. From the moment I even knew to have friends, those have been some of my life’s biggest blessings and best memories. The moments in time spent with each of them are treasured deep in my heart. I’ve had friends come and go over the years, but my core group has stuck closer to me than I probably deserved. I have rekindled a few friendships from my past and it’s a healing balm like no other…and I am thankful for that.
I am grateful for so many things in my life, but the moments of connection with others are the pinnacle of my thankfulness. I am a relationship-driven person, so my interactions with people fill me with joy. My heart overflows from all the moments I’ve gotten to spend with students or athletes who’ve been under my care over the years. It wasn’t always easy, but the love I felt for each of them still lives on. I’ve been blessed with a front-row seat to seeing kids’ lives change for the better and I’m so thankful for that.
I’ve gotten to rub elbows with COUNTLESS co-workers and I would be remiss not to show my thankfulness for knowing them. (SO many of them are still my dearest friends) I’ve taken a little piece with me of every person I’ve gotten to work with. Whether it be head knowledge or heart knowledge, I have gotten more than I could ever repay. I became the woman I am today because of the hours I worked alongside some of the best. People who work to make the world better for kids are the best kind of people. They’ve all taught me to see the world in a whole different light, and I am thankful for that.
My heart is overflowing this morning with love for the people and the moments that made me who I am today. If you are reading this, YOU are one of the people I count among my biggest blessings. Each of you has shared moments in time with me that won’t be forgotten. It may have been 30-plus years ago or 30 days ago, but knowing you made an impact on me, I am thankful for that.
As I write this I am filled with gratitude and FUN and happy memories for the moments in time when our worlds collided. As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope that you take a moment to walk down memory lane giving thanks along the way for the people who God has put in your life. Whether for a moment or a lifetime, those people were a gift. We are all a culmination of our best and worst times and the people who were in those moments with us. Thank you for ALL the moments! Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
