( inspired by "A Modest Thanksgiving" ~ David Baumbaugh, professor, Chicago, Illinois)
As much as you may plan, not everything always goes according to that plan.
For a few reasons, this year's Thanksgiving day turned out to be our small family Thanksgiving celebration.
Despite all the last minute changes, the weather stayed spectacular
so,
I decided to set a little modest Thanksgiving table outside in the backyard.
I wanted to be simple, yet festive.
I chose colors which differ from the traditional autumn (Thanksgiving) table settings – a simple decoration and simple food this time.
                            


 What was on our table?
The Thanksgiving meal was less pretentious than last year but captured the essence of it.
Cranberry sauce? Yes!
Mashed potato, gravy? Double Check!
Pumpkin pie? No doubt!
Roasted Turkey with vegetables and cranberry stuffing! Of course!
For my son, Thanksgiving is not a real celebration without it.

BUT
there was something different.
This year something was keeping me calm – no, not that the spirit of the holiday has left my heart – it is still one of my favorite celebrations, a celebration of life.
Last year, this holiday was a truly big affair with a very serious preparation ahead.
Perhaps my constant efforts of learning to focus on things that matter has started paying off?!
Family and simple food made up the entire list.

                                                          ( oops, sorry for the misplaced eating utensils :)




Yet, the list of things I was thankful for had grown bigger for just one year.
Isn't it amazing !?
Isn't it amazing how small things, trivial and insignificant at first glance, have become all the things that truly matter,
all the things to be thankful for:
" some modest things, rooted in the ordinary
some humble things, deep-seated in the now
some tiny things, established in a faith that my life is beautiful and meaningful
and I am blessed enough to have everything I need ."






 

 " I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of man.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of Him...
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...
I got nothing I asked for -- but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among men, most richly blessed!  "
                 
                                    ~ Roy Campanella~






   (In fact, my husband is our master chef when it comes to turkey, and the results are always amazing!)





  I am thankful for my SIMPLE life!

Happy Thanksgiving!


Thank you for your visit today, dear Friends!