Thanksgiving

The warmth of a fire, slow snow, good food, and intimate friendships provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of thanks. Conversations drift towards future plans, past thanksgivings, family traditions and the smell of a feast fills the room. Plus, a bit of smoke while the oven does its best to turn out the perfect bird. The kitchen is filled with cooks each preparing his or her favorite dish using family recipes passed down generation after generation, especially Mrs. Stovetop and Mr. Instant. The serving table is almost as full as the room. Children play joyfully bringing smiles too most and stress to a few. There is little blood family in the room, but we each share a bond nearly as close, thanksgiving for the lives we have been blessed with, lives intertwined, lives of extreme passion and unashamed faith.
This thanksgiving, shared for the second year with those whom I work and live close to, in the mountains of Colorado, was a beautiful practice in community. I have not laughed, nor eaten, nearly this much in a very long time. Although we were each away from our families I believe we each felt that this time was a special one that few can experience. I found myself soaking up each moment, knowing that times such as these are rare. My life is leading me in directions that may seldom lead me to my home to celebrate these Holidays, bringing distant lives near again. With that perspective at the forefront of my thoughts, every instant was one of worth, each relationship one that I wanted to invest in. Thankfulness and hoping that days would not end created endless vivid moments. Inevitably, the question, “What are you thankful for?” was asked redundantly. Each time the answer could, should be different. My list includes, family, friends, faith, passion, opportunity, Life. I think that this year, for the first time, I truly appreciated the need for a celebration such as this. For the first time it was more than a meal and a few days off work, but truly a celebration of thankfulness for the life I have been given and share with those around me. I hope that in the future my holidays will always be as bright as these. Happy Thanksgiving!