Not too busy to be grateful

This morning I woke up undisturbed at 7:15-; "sleeping in" was the perfect way to being Thanksgiving Day.  After a few months of mental exhaustion it felt wonderful to wake up with a feeling of excitement that only holidays bring.  I can't think too long about the fact that all of my family is gathered at my parents' house today-- it's really hard since we are the only ones not there.

Fred & Nori arrived in Turkey for their 18 month mission this week.  It was really hard to say goodbye to them; in some ways I think I caught a glimpse of what it will be like when our parents die, and I hate that thought.  However, seeing them at the happiest I have ever seen them, I realize that the prospect of death for any of us will be a lot less frightening if we are close to our Heavenly Father and living the way He expects us to.

Although I wish we could be with all of the extended family that we love, I feel content and complete waking up with my own family this morning.  We have hit a stage in our life where there are so many of us that there is no room for loneliness even if it is just us.  I look forward to a day of baking, our own Turkey trot around the asparagus field, and feasting with our friends the Nielsons.  They have graciously opened their home to us since our kitchen renovation is not yet complete (although complete enough to make rolls, pie, stuffing, corn casserole, and Cindy's pomegranate green salad... it's the washing dishes part in the laundry room that won't be so much fun... but I recognize that even having a laundry room sink is a blessing!)

I woke up and felt an excitement to read The Book of Mormon.  After a very unexpected conversation at the nail salon last night where Jane and I went for quick impromptu pedicures, I remember how the simple knowledge that I am daughter of God who loves me offers profound peace and fulfillment.  I was able to speak at length about The Book of Mormon with two ladies-- one who was doing my toes and one who was letting hers dry.  The conversation began with a question of why I don't send my kids to the private Christian school here (because we aren't accepted there, for which I am now thankful, so I haven't even had the option of wasting my money) and evolved to question about being a member of the "Mormon" church.  I think the three of us all held each other in mutual respect and were able to talk about our beliefs and questions without criticism or judgment of the others.  It felt really good to be able to "stand as a witness" without feeling persecuted for it-- which isn't always the case. I guess Heavenly Father knows how averse I am to contention or feeling criticized.  It was a little tender mercy to be able to open my mouth and share our beliefs candidly with women who were sincerely curious, not just looking to attack or belittle.

I am so thankful for good health.  I deeply love my husband and best friend who shows his love and adoration for me in so many ways.  I am grateful to be raising such valiant, talented, funny, sweet, and cute children.  I am grateful to have been raised by goodly parents (and inlaws, too!)  I am grateful for siblings and their families, all of whom I love and adore.  And an incredible extended family too.  Ultimately, I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom I would have no hope of overcoming my weaknesses and improving despite my faults day after day.  I am grateful for my Heavenly Father who loves me, and the Holy Ghost whom He sends to guide me to continuously find more evidences of that love.