Today

     Pack your bags and let's hit the road. We would drive 4 hours north of here and arrive at our destination tucked into the forest of Oklahoma. A hallmark style cabin with the beautiful colors of fall bringing out the beauty of the state and our home for the week. The campfire and the hikes with my family were great memories, but this year, we decided to stay home. We wanted to save money and be around our loved ones. 

     Little did we know how much we needed this time at home. As the year draws to a close I am more aware of how little time we actually have with our loved ones and we need to make every effort to spend time with them, especially the holidays. Our kids are getting older and while they will both still be at home for several more years the time is coming when they may not be home for both holidays or one, or neither. Likewise, our parents aren't getting younger, and although we hope that God blesses us with many more years with them we aren't promised that we will see them tomorrow. Why so sad?  

     I'm not trying to be sad or bring anyone down. It's a fact, it's reality and was proven to our small community several times over this past month. The longer I live the more I realize the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the life I have right at the moment, and not the one I used to have or the one I might have in the future. So, that is what we have done this week. I have enjoyed dinner with a friend, taking my preteen girl Christmas shopping, dealing with a moody teenage boy, and spending time in prayer with my husband. That's a glimpse of my week, but what about today? 

     Today, I woke up and started my rolls then enjoyed my cup of coffee. I talked with my husband about the small things. Then scrolled through Facebook, wished some family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving and worked on my rolls some more. I was patient with the rolls, I let them rise and did not rush the process. I loved on my kids, spoke life into them, and loved on my dogs. I finished baking the rolls and the green-bean casserole. We all showered and headed to my in-laws. We were greeted with warm hugs from family, blessed the food, prayed for those hurting from recent loved ones gone too soon and those who are sick, we thanked God for our many blessings and we ate. We visited about our everyday lives, shared memories and laughed. After we ate, we took naps, watched football, and went for a walk around my in-laws neighborhood. Even my teenager decided to join us, and I was thrilled he wanted to go even if he didn't say much. I've had more hugs from him today than I have in awhile which makes my heart full, as those are few and far between lately. We ate another plate full of yummy Thanksgiving day food that is reserved for this time of year and shared more memories. 

     As our time with family came to an end, we packed up the left-overs, and drove towards home, not only was my stomach full but my heart was just as full. This Thanksgiving day was full of special memories and normal mundane moments, but to be able to spend time with my family is what filled my heart. It's not about me but it's about others. What makes them happy, what truly matters, what will we remember as our last chapter is written? It's not the things we have, but the people we have in our lives. Our loved ones and the memories that we make with them that will live on forever. I pray your heart was filled with love today.