giving thanks

Thanksgiving will be a bit different for me this year. There will still be turkey, and dressing and cranberry sauce. I will gather with my friends this year instead of immediate family—although I consider them my “Nashville family”—and watch football and eat and drink too much, I am sure. There are also plans to get together on Friday for leftovers and visit with some dearly missed friends who will be in town. But this year, there will be a lot of time that will not be filled with family or friends or festivities. I will have a lot of time to myself. To work on a few personal projects, watch movies, cook, and just have some down time. This time alone is what I am most thankful for this year. Not because I don’t want to be around others, or because I even necessarily have to spend any time alone. It is because I have finally reached a place in my life where this is not a sad or difficult thing... to be alone some during a holiday... and to not be lonely at all. I am thankful to be where I am in my life, even if it is not quite where I wanted to be. And I am grateful for the strength and healing that God has given me.

I hope everyone enjoys the time they have with their loved ones gathered around, and the time you may have by yourself. Sending love and gratitude to all of those who are in my life and those who are no longer here. Happy Thanksgiving!