I will post pictures of our first annual Thanksgiving breakfast on Friday, but for now I want to focus on life and the things for which I am grateful.
A couple of weeks ago I had breakfast with a good friend and very wise observer of the human spirit. As we were discussing life and what we want from it, he asked me a very interesting question. He asked, "What have you always wanted to do?" I went to the typical answers - "Well, at first I wanted to be a teacher, then I wanted to be an interior designer." He clarified, "No, what have you always wanted, what is your purpose in life?" I had a classic light bulb moment - without hesitation I said, "All I ever wanted to be is a wife and mother."
I have spent more than half my life as a wife, but I never was able to be a mother. At least not in the biological sense. Without hesitation he looked me straight in the eyes and said, "There's your answer. The kids (my 3 granddaughters) are living in your home for your sake." I never thought about our living arrangement like that before. I saw allowing my stepdaughter and her young girls to live with us as a favor to her. What my friend showed me is that God is allowing me to experience that one thing I always wanted but never got.
Suddenly the screaming at 5:00 in the morning because Savannah doesn't want to wear shoes isn't the worst thing in the world. The peace and quiet I claim to want is really the sound of emptiness. The toys on the floor, sippy cups everywhere, and girl emotional outbursts are just a part of the life I am being allowed to experience. The scales have been removed and I see life through new eyes. Thank you, sweet friend.
So, this year I am especially thankful for my noisy family. I have the privilege of helping to raise my grandchildren. I get hugs every night, I see the minute changes that happen to children every day as they begin to discover the world around them. What a gift.
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