The Thanksgiving season inspires us to consider all the good in our lives. If only it was as natural to be this thankful all year! It’s possible, but we have to intentionally live with an attitude of gratitude.
Of all the blessings I am thankful for this year, none matter as much to me as the people God has placed in my life. We can gain a lot of wealth, but without people to share it with, what does it matter? Connections – deep, meaningful relationships – make life rich and rewarding.
This Thanksgiving season, I want to highlight a few people who have made this last year extra special for me. I am so thankful for the connections I share with them!
My Parents
Mom and Dad have always been there for me and I am truly grateful. Whether I have prayer requests or just need to be a kid for a few minutes, they are a phone call away. It is easy to find the negative in our childhoods, but if you had parents that cared and sacrificed for you, be grateful; and, give them grace for the mistakes they made. After all, they are human too.
The older I get, the more thankful I am for parents that continue to be available to me. If your parent(s) were (and are) there for you, take some time and thank them this season.
My “Mom” Friends
It is a blessing to spend time with moms who are raising small children. I am learning so much about parenting from being with them and their children. Ten years ago, my expectations of parenting were far different than they are today, and I can thank the ladies in my life who allow me to glean from their experiences. And, they let me act like a big kid with their little ones, and we all know I need an excuse to be silly from time to time!
My Lifetime, Thick-and-Thin Friends (Childhood and College)
If you have been blessed with hardcore friends – the kind who put up with you no matter how bad of a time you are going through – cherish them! God has truly blessed me with some of the greatest girlfriends I could ever hope to find. Though I cannot talk to them or see them all as often as I would like, the time we do have together is priceless; and, I know they would be there for me in a heartbeat if I needed them. You all know who you are, and I love you!
My Sister-in-Law
God works in mysterious ways. Sometimes life seems perfect, and then you meet someone special and wonder how you ever made it without her! Over the last eight years, my sister-in-law has become one of my closest friends, my sounding board, and one of my most trusted advisors. I’m so glad family can be more than “just” family. If you have a brother, sister, parent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in-law that is more than just family to you, make sure you let him or her know how much you appreciate his or her friendship. And for you manly men, there are more and less awkward ways to do that. ~wink~
My Man!
Oh, my sweet Eric. What can I say about him that adequately expresses my feelings? He has been my rock. He has been there with strong arms when I was weak. He has been rational when I’ve been emotional. He’s worked tirelessly to build PreEngaged and to provide for our family. He does not declare, “I’ve done enough for the day” when he gets home from work. He continues to push himself into the wee hours of the night. He is a good listener. He gives great advice. He gives therapeutic hugs and he loves to snuggle. He’s not perfect, but I am so thankful that he’s mine!
How About You?
Who have you connected with this year? Who has blessed your life in a powerful way? Have you let them know how much you appreciate them? If not, now is a great time to show them how much their love and friendships have meant to you this year.
If you have the stamina, take one of your close friends or family members out to do some power shopping! Happy Black Friday! (And stay tuned for a Cyber Monday deal here at PreEngaged!)
Which connections are you thankful for this year?