Giving Thanks With a Greatful Heart

Today in the United States we are celebrating Thanksgiving.  It is a day when we reflect on our lives and thank God for our blessings.  A small sampling of what I am thankful for:

• My family.  This time last year, we were living with my parents (and brother).  Our lease was up and we didn't want to commit to a new lease just yet so they let us stay at their house (for 6 months) while we figured everything out.
• Opportunities.  Living with my parents helped my kids get to know their grandparents and their uncle better.  It also allowed us to do some other things we would not have been able to do (like purchase a camper and travel across 16 different states over a 4 month period) all while still having a "home base."
• Modern conveniences and technology.  The kids and I have been studying (online) about the Plimoth settlers and the Wapanaoag Indians.  The trials and tribulations they went through certainly help explain why they felt a 3 day celebration of thanks was in order.  Technology also helps keep family and friends who are living apart in contact much easier than they did back in 17th century (yeah for blogging, Facebook, Google chat, and FaceTime).
• Homeschooling successes.  Although I have embarked on a method of homeschooling that some would frown upon (and that sometimes I question whether they are learning anything), I have recently been shown that they are in fact learning.  My daughter is reading!  My son's reading is improving as are his computer skills.  And some of the questions others ask that they can answer... just amazing!
• My husband.  I have a hard working husband who loves me and believes in me enough to trust me to homeschool our children.
• Homeschooling opportunities.  We moved to an area that has given us so many homeschool opportunities.  The friends the kids and I have made already, as well as the things we've been able to do have been wonderful.
• Extended family that happens to live nearby and has invited us to Thanksgiving dinner.
• The freedom I have to sing:

GIVE THANKS
WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS
TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS
FOR HE'S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY
I AM STRONG
LET THE POOR SAY
I AM RICH
BECAUSE OF WHAT
THE LORD HAS DONE
FOR US
GIVE THANKS...

Priorities

Earlier this week, some people I know witnessed a horrific accident.  They quickly jumped into action but in the end were not able to help the people involved in the accident.  Afterwords, they said it was the worst thing they've ever experienced... being completely helpless as you watch and know that someone is or has died right in front of you.  After speaking to the authorities, they all decided they were going to go out and "Enjoy Life."

That got me thinking.  In light of the fact that life can be very short, what if anything would I do differently.  What does "enjoying life" look like for me?  For the most part, I have no regrets.  I am not going to be one of those people who wishes I'd had time to visit a certain place.  Rather, I would be the person to regret not doing something with or saying something to someone.

To that end, I want to make sure I make time for family (spouse, kids, parents, grandparents, siblings, etc).  I want to make sure I make time for friends.  I want to make sure they all know how much I care for and love them. 

To my regular readers... thank you for consistently reading my blog.  It shows me how much you care about me and my family.  We love you too!

View From the Outside

Last night, we went to a prayer meeting with our friends.  The kids had a great time paying hide and seek with some kids their ages and of course we got to meet some really nice people as well.  Everyone knew we were there to help our friends pack for their move next week, so they were curious to know where we lived and how it was that Jon was able to take off work to help out.

We told them of Jon's ability to work anywhere there was Internet (which of course they found cool).  Then we told them of the fact that we were living in a camper (which they found interesting from the perspective that we've been and will be able to see lots of the US traveling around).  Then Jon mentioned Australia and the fact that we've been in limbo for the last year and then attitudes changed.  Then they got sympathetic.  It almost seemed like they were pitying us because we were in such a horrible position.

I admit, there are times when I wish our living situation was different (usually when the kids are fighting over a toy and I have no way of really separating them in the camper), but for the most part I've actually enjoyed living in the camper.  I don't see our living situation as horrible at all.  It truly has given us opportunities that others have not had.  I think it's even brought the kids closer to their dad (kinda hard not to do when you are in such close quarters).