Thanksgiving....

Eight years ago, Blue and I moved to Canada. I have loved living up north. One of my favorite things about being here, and there are so many, is that I am able to celebrate Thanksgiving twice!! Canadians are a more laid back bunch than Americans. And, I have really grown to appreciate the lower key celebrations.
We drove to Saskatoon for Canadian Thanksgiving to celebrate with Blue's parents, uncle, brother and family. I love the anticipation of the Thanksgiving dinner, the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, the hands getting a good-natured slap for sneaking in for a sample, the mouth-watering smell of the turkey coming out of the oven, and the gathering around the table to thank God, the giver of all good things, for all that He has done for us.
Years ago, our family started a tradition of sitting around the table and sharing something or someone that we are thankful for. I can't remember who began this Thanksgiving, but a few people had taken their turn when Blue looked at our four-year old Meadow. "Meadow, it is your turn, what are you thankful for?"
"God!" she answered loud and clear.
I felt tears spring to my eyes. That one simple word said everything that we all had been describing in being thankful for family, health, friends, and material abundance.
I think that we should have Thanksgiving every day. No, not the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie, but the constant spirit of gratitude that is deliberately stating what we are thankful for.
I can honestly say that there is not a day that goes by that does not contain a complaint, a disgruntled attitude on my part. There is always something to complain about. What if, just if, I replaced those complaints with gratitude, even if, in my shortcomings, my answer is a loud and clear, "GOD!"
I am starting today. Today, I am thankful for my son, Ocean, using the potty at school. I am thankful for my youngest son, Forest, learning to count to five. I am so very thankful for my daughter, who led me up the stairs with my eyes closed, to surprise me with a spotless living room! She did solemnly state that she couldn't do that every day. I laughed out loud! no, sometimes, we feel as if we can't do it every day, but we are just starting with today....