Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  As I stand on the cold kitchen floor, barefooted, up before the rest of the household, (so what else is new?) listening as the coffee percolates in its drip maker, I have a few quiet moments to reflect on all the blessings in my life.  By the way, I can say percolate just because I like the sound of it!  All too soon, the house will erupt in the chaos of a Ryan traditional family Thanksgiving, which starts with sleepy-eyed relatives descending on the quiet, looking for that first jolt of coffee and then OJ, nibbling whatever for breakfast and then all of us cramming into the least number of cars to roll out to do the annual Turkey Trot 5k.  The runners , and our numbers in this household seem to be dwindling, and walkers, those numbers are up, finish in an hour’s time, take our annual shot, no it’s not liquor but a family photo and then we re-fold our bodies back into our subcompacts and journey our way over the river….ok, creeks…..somewhere and through the woods – ok our backyard and start the preparation of the feast.  Once the feast is in the oven, and I always marvel at this part…….(married to a kitchen designer and being one myself, why we didn’t go for double ovens is beyond me!) we head outside to enjoy the cool crisp snap of November air as we play cornhole or walk the dogs.  This year will be no different.  I anticipate with glee this holiday of purported dysfunction.  For it is in the lack of perfection that I find I am most blessed.  There is always lots of laughter and for this day, at least, I am well aware of all the good things surrounding me.  Family, friends, health, a wonderfully aromatic kitchen – oops is that the turkey burning…..hold on……..ok, false alarm.

Well, to wind this up, I have learned over this past year, that I can only live life one day at a time and in each day, God has wonderfully made each of us.  He has hidden caveats of buried treasure in each of us and when we finally realize that when we slow down, we can see God in the details.  Years ago, I read a passage that to this day sticks with me. 

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.
--- Max Ehrmann, 1927

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!

Looking up!

Barb