Contemplation Series
There is a sense of reflection that begins to build as the days in the year slowly come to an end. Fueled by holiday spirits and nostalgic memories--we come to the time of the year where the senses are in overdrive. I've decided to create a series of posts to channel my inner thoughts surrounding these final weeks in 2008 and would like to open the discussion into your own lives.
Topic: Am I Thankful? This entire year has been filled with wedding thoughts...my two brothers married off, my closest cousin, two good friends from college, my lovely co-worker, and lastly, me. After a jammed packed year of planning for a single day--where are we now that it's over? Post-wedding, I know there were times where my head was not in the right place and times where it was--but I am sincerely thankful for my friends and family for sacrificing their time, money, and energy to help create my wedding day.
My family also endured a couple of job-losses, devastating health problems and even the arrival of a new baby this year--it seems as though every down-turn was paired with a glimmer of hope. And now it's almost Thanksgiving...long-gone are the days of dressing like pilgrims and indians in grade school. Now, here we are trying to figure out which set of parents to see first for an exact 92 minutes full of mashed potatoes and turkey and spending time with extended family we don't seem to know anymore. But through the potluck style gatherings, I feel a sense of belonging and connection--my past woven perfectly into place with who I am today and who I will be one day, surrounded by the people who were and continue to be my needles and thread.
Logistics aside, I am deeply thankful for the loved ones in my life, for having a family to go home to, for friends to catch up with. I often find myself thinking forward--on to the next stage when I need to be here, enjoying now.
How has 2008 shaped your thanksgiving holiday? Do you find it silly we designate one day out of the year to reflect on everything we are thankful for? Where do you plan to spend the holiday and who with? What are your thoughts on thankfulness?
Whitney Deal
Reader Comments (7)
You are so right... great post. Sometimes life can fly by so quickly that it's easy to forget the things that make our life COUNT. I hope you have a wonderful and loving family time this Thanksgiving! Thanks for an insightful message :)
Lovely reflections and thoughts to carry throughout the week.
For me, I think it's a shame that the one day per year devoted to giving thanks is also one of the days that is most stressful...between traveling, cooking for a crowd, and having to be 'on' while interacting with relatives, I can't wait til it's over. But one thing that was nice about having a wedding this year was getting to reconnect with people like my cousins, so maybe when I see them this thanksgiving the dynamic won't be so awkward!
gorgeous work.
whew-- you know i needed this message after the chaos of the move this week.. i am so thankful that my family is coming to see me and there's no travel for us! what a gift that our new in-laws are excited to eat together and hang out!
i am looking forward to being able to slow down and reflect more on the whole year as this week calms down, and maintain a good, calm perspective about life and work into '09
This is a great post and such beautiful photographs. 2008 has shaped my thanksgiving because I'll be spending my first thanksgiving with my husband {still getting used to saying that} and my new in laws. I feel too that we should focus on being thankful everyday than just on Thanksgiving :)
it always amazes me that despite great hardships in life, we can always find something to be thankful for. life in general, family, good friends, etc.
i hope you and your family have a great holiday season :)
I was little my mother also create things. Just like the picture canvas