Thankful

I made it home safely after my routine 7-hour drive home. I got up and out of the door at a good time and had nice weather the entire drive up. It has been nice to be back home -- home with family, pets, and some friends. Granted, at times it can be frustrating and stressful, but it is nice to be here nonetheless.
I couldn't help thinking about my friends back in England on Thanksgiving Day. While I was still working on making the pies here, I knew that my friends were also preparing their own dinner and I thought back on this time last year. I remembered staying up until 4 a.m. preparing the pumpkin pies with Graham and I remembered my growing excitement about the dinner that was coming up that evening. I remember going and eating a delicious meal with good friends and remembered that even though the dinner wasn't perfect and wasn't exactly like a Thanksgiving dinner at home, I was unavoidably thankful. I was thankful for friends, life, and all the many things God gives me and I had a wonderful day thanking Him for His many blessings.
This year, I have once again found much to be thankful for. I have been thankful for my parent's new home -- it has proven to be perfect for them and I have been enjoying helping out where I can. I have been thankful for all three of us girls to be at home for Thanksgiving and have cherished the fact that we have the ability to come together for the holidays. I have no clue where I will be next year and am not guaranteed to make it home for many Thanksgivings from here on out. I have been thankful for the dog and cats -- things to care for. I have also been thankful for finally being able to make some proper pies. Pies are indeed my specialty and it's been so long that I've been able to make one from scratch -- it was nice to do that again. And, of course, I am thankful for all the other things God has given me -- food, shelter, love, and salvation through His Son.
So I hope that this Thanksgiving has allowed everyone to stop and think about just how much we have to be thankful for and to make the most of it.

-- Amy