Thanksgiving is one of those holidays were I tend to do a lot of reflecting. Sure, I realize that many choose the New Year to do this sort of thing but I believe that part of reflecting is counting your blessings.
There was something about this year’s Thanksgiving that just really brought up lots of nostalgia within me. It is amazing to me how differently things become as your children begin to grow up.
For instance, this year my daughter helped to prepare the parts of the meal that I contributed to. I remember a time when I had three small children to keep occupied while I attempted to cook. Then there was a season where my daughter began to help but needed assistance with measuring and reading the directions.
This year she was able to just take over some things. I was so thankful for her help in the kitchen.
Then as my family and our extended family gathered together to eat, I reflected on how differently things have become. It used to be that I had to cut up my children’s food, that I was lucky to be able to sit down and enjoy my meal without being interrupted by something spilling or an argument at the “kid’s table.”
This Thanksgiving my children and my nephews were part of the adult crowd. They sat amongst us and were part of some lively conversation. They are no longer little children needing supervision.
I couldn’t help but be thankful for their contributions to the dinner table conversations. They are so interesting and add so much to our discussions.
Then later on our family played a couple of games, “Would You Rather” and electronic “Catch Phrase.” Instead of shooing our children away so the adults could hang out, they were part of our fun. It was hilarious to see them participate. They added so much more fun to everything.
My reflections on Thanksgiving are that time passes so quickly. It is simply amazing. But it is also a reminder that while each season is different, each one is to be appreciated. I have so much to be thankful for.
I really am thankful that I have teens. It is not always easy and it can be filled with challenges but I appreciate being their mother. After all, upon reflecting I realize how quickly these years too will go by.
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