Give Thanks for Thanksgiving

For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving has been my least favorite holiday.  I have never really seen the point in it.  Now my dislike of turkey and stuffing are a contributing factor, but it just all seemed like a waste to me.

People spend so much time preparing for this meal.  I mean, a lot of people start making pies a week before.  Then you have to cook a turkey for like 6 hours, not to mention the millions of side dishes.  So it take all morning to cook the food, then we all sit down, eat for maybe 45 minutes, and spend at least a couple of hours cleaning up.  I've never really understood the appeal.

But over the last few years my attitude has changed some.  First of all, this year I get the day after Thanksgiving off, paid, so it is a four day weekend.  Reason enough to celebrate.  But I have also enjoyed reading on Facebook, things people are thankful for.  I realized, I have been missing the point this whole time.  Thanksgiving is about giving thanks.  Duh!  Yes, I feel a little stupid.

So this year I wanted to give thanks for a few things.

1.  I am thankful for this country I live in and the men and women who fight to make free.  I know it isn't perfect, but I am glad I am here.  I love America.

2.  I am thankful for a beautiful family.  I have the best husband, he treats me with respect and love.  And my kids are the best.  I would rather spend time with them than anyone else.

3.  I am thankful for my parents.  I had an ideal childhood, never having to worry about anything.  (Though that didn't stop me.)  They always made me feel loved and supported.

4.  I am thankful for my savior and the life he lived.  I know I live a better life trying to follow his example.  Though mostly I falls short, at least it gives me something to shoot for.

5.  I am thankful for libraries.  I love going into the library and seeing rows and rows of books.  There is nothing better than the sharing of stories, and at the library I can read all of them, for free.

I am glad I finally figured this out so now I can relax and enjoy a great holiday with these guys.

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PS I am thankful to all the people who read my blog.  Makes me feel special.