By Windy Locke
Crisp air, scarlet leaves, and shorter days. I watch as the earth changes, rests, and renews itself to prepare for its rebirth come spring. As each year draws to an end, I often take pause to reflect on the winding path of the year behind me that led me to today.
I sift through the love, adventures, triumphs and heartaches that have collected in my mind. Piled high are memories of sweet summer nights on the back porch with my favorite boy, enjoying the sounds of nature, the summer breeze and homemade ice cream. Such reflection gives a person perspective on the things that matter most in life. The ordinary days that were missed opportunities for thanksgiving.
Living “in the moment” is a phrase that’s commonly used along with selfies tagged #livingmybestlife. Are we really though? Are we really taking in these moments with a sense of gratitude that ensures we understand how precious they are? Years from now, when I think back on the best parts of my life, will I think of the amazing vacations we took, the things we acquired along the way or how full my heart felt holding the sticky hand of a six year old on that porch?
I once read that gratitude is a treasure hunt, implying we must be intentional in uncovering the goodness and beauty in our lives. As we gather around our holiday tables, how can we capture that same spirit of thankfulness to take into all of our days and pause for just a moment to be grateful for the hidden gems that fill our hearts? In the words of W.J. Cameron “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”
