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What Thanksgiving Is All About

by Annette Sutherby

Thanksgiving is the holiday that kicks off the holiday season. And we all know the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day out of the whole year. But sometimes we get so wrapped up with the new holiday season approaching, we forget about what Thanksgiving really means.

It's More Than Just the Turkey

Yeah, we all know that we get together with family and eat turkey. But do we really think about all the things in our lives that we have to be thankful for? With Thanksgiving being right around the corner, I am reminded of everything in my life that I have to be thankful for.

I believe that I have been very blessed in my lifetime. When I was growing up, I was surrounded by my family, who cared about me very much. They were there for me whenever I needed them the most, and they still are to this day. I thank God every day for them.

I'm Thankful for the Good Things

This Thanksgiving is especially different for me because it's the first Thanksgiving I am going to have with my new stepfamily. Instead of the usual 6-11 people that we normally have over for dinner, this year there are going to be almost 20 people there!
I am also extremely thankful for my friends, who have always been there for me no matter what. No matter how silly or complicated things may have gotten, they have stuck by me through it all. I thank God everyday to have such great friends. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have them in my life.

I'm Thankful for the Bad Things

When I think about everything that I am thankful for, I am reminded of not just the good things that have happened in my life, but the bad things as well. Without those bad things happening, I wouldn't have grown into the person I am today.

I am thankful for the day that I skipped school my junior year and got caught. Yes, it was an extremely dumb thing to do. And yes, I did get in trouble with both school and my mother for it. But it made me start to wake-up and realize what I was doing.

Getting caught skipping school made me realize three things:

1. I shouldn't even try to get away with anything because my mom will always find out about it;
2. The person I skipped school with was a bigger influence on me than what I had originally thought; and
3. It's better to tell the truth the first time around than to lie about what happened (especially when the other person already knows what the truth is).

I am also thankful that I waited to get my driver's license until after I turned 17. In the year plus that I went without having my license I realized that I needed to grow up a lot and take responsibility for my actions. Besides, I ended up starting my new job and I got my car the day after I got my license. That definitely was a blessing in disguise.

I'm Just Thankful

I am thankful for everything that has happened to me in my life whether it has been good or bad. These events have shaped me into who I am today.

I will always be thankful for whatever curve balls life may throw at me. I know they happen for a reason and that I will grow and learn from them. And no matter what happens, I try to stay focused on -- and close to -- the people around me. They are the ones who care about me and love me the most, and I know that I will be forever thankful for having them in my life.

And that's what Thanksgiving is all about.

Life Applications:

What are some good times for which you are thankful?
What are some bad times for which you are thankful?
Who are the people for who you are thankful?
(Now say a prayer of thanksgiving for all these wonderful blessings!)

Copyright 2002-2006 by Annette Sutherby
All rights reserved.