It's a beautiful, crisp, fall morning, with the sun shining brightly and no clouds in the sky. I'm used to being stubborn about wearing a sweater on Thanksgiving Day. Because It's Thanksgiving! It should be cold! I'm wearing a sweater (or at least a long-sleeved shirt)! Today there's no doubt that I'll be wearing a sweater. And I have a warm home to stay inside if I choose.
As I was thinking about it last night, I realized that this is the first Thanksgiving that I've ever spent away from family. It's a bit strange to not be traveling to Georgia today. Since I was a kid, we have spent nearly every Thanksgiving in Georgia visiting all of my Mom's extended family. Then on Black Friday, we hit all the amazing shopping opportunities. I sure do miss being with them today.
But I have much for which to be thankful. I have an adopted family living all over the world because of this military life we lead. I live in a country worth defending. My husband's livelihood is caring for the soldiers who defend our Constitution. In fact, today he (along with the other officers in his Battalion) will be serving Thanksgiving dinner in their dress blues at the Dining Facility (DFAC) where most of our single soldiers eat every day.
Our meal will be simple today, but it will be more than enough (though I would love some of my grandmother's Divinity). My pantry, refrigerator, and deep freezer are full of delicious food and ingredients to make filling meals for my family. And all of these are located in a house that we don't pay for, on a street filled with families of heroes.
My family slept until 8:45 this morning, a VERY rare occurrence in this house. We are still in our pajamas, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I "put my foot down" this morning and told this house full of boys that since I was going to watch hours upon hours of football over the next few days that we were going to watch this parade! I am thankful for the comforts that we enjoy.
As I wrote yesterday, I am thankful for the little one who continues to grow and get stronger in my belly. I'm thankful for this house full of boys in which I live (even with all of its craziness). Right now my little guys are pounding on my biggest boy. I'm thankful that he's home today, and not deployed. I'm thankful that one day, some day, there will be girls around when my sons bring their wives and families to visit.
Most of all, I am thankful for a God who lives to bless His children, who loves like a hurricane, and showed the depth of that love by sending His Son to take my place.
May you know the depth of His love today.
3 comments:
As a retired Army officer (59-79 a long time ago) I want to make sure that you know that YOU, The Army Wife are the strength and love we look forward to when we are deployed. Make this the best Thanksgiving Ever for you and your family!
May your Heavenly Father be especially present with you this Thanksgiving, Christie. As for having so many boys, it's better than I ever imagined it would be. The two of mine who have passed five, each wanted to marry me at that age. And the one who is five insisted I was a princess yesterday and kept calling me "Your Majesty." It is very special to be the mother of boys. But I know I don't really have to tell you that. God bless you today.
Jen
What an amazing blog! You are a great person, Christie, and we miss y'all!
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