this year

In past years I have sought it, and even though my heart has been thankful, I have come up empty handed.  So much so, that last year I came to the conclusion that the feeling of Thanksgiving, for me, is in the day.  In the parade and in the gathering.  But this year... oh, this year I am overflowing with the spirit of Thanksgiving, and have been all week. 

Perhaps it comes in the preparation.  The knowing that my table will be full and our home overflowing.   Perhaps it  comes in the creating.  The planning and the special touches that say I love you without the words. Or maybe... maybe it comes in the stillness.  The knowing that the whole week is ours, and there is hardly a place we have to be. 

Whatever the reason, I'm already full. 
Full of the anticipation. 
Full of love. 
Full... far ahead of Thursday and turkey.
Thankfulness abounds. 

oh, what a night

I'll take astro-turf over a red carpet any day...

Add in a balloon archway, spinning silks, and the rustle of silver poms... and I just might be over the moon.  The gold harvest moon that hung in the sky, proclaining the perfect night for fall, football, and marching band. 

I suppose that you can't really know how big a deal "Senior Night" is until it is your turn... your turn to walk your heart across the field.  We swung our clasped hands as we giggled across the field, and she sparkled.  A sparkle that had nothing to do with the tiara atop her head.  Oh, I cannot believe that senior year is here... and yet I am so ready to celebrate her and all that is coming her way. 

Shine on sweet girl... we are so amazed at the young woman you are, heart and soul.

and now i know

During one of the day's crazy conversations someone asked Is it a full moon?  I just laughed at her question... because I had no idea.  It seems weeks since I have peered up at the sky and drunk it into my soul.  But now I know.  Full moon, bright and shining... a night light like no other. 

I raced for the camera, wanting to capture the beauty of treasure hung high in the sky.  Standing there in the yard, in the quiet, in the beauty... I felt a calm.  He feeds me through the sky. Sunsets and white cotton stretched across a sea of bright crisp blue... or sunlight streaming through.  Dark morning sky still scattered with stars, or a glowing moon on the rise.  

Masterpiece of His heart, food for my soul.  

finding my way

She sits lonely, this blog...
while her author slowly, oh so slowly, finds her way back to her words. 

There is so much between the words and me... a thousand distractions turning up and untying the strings of words I somehow have brought together, all at once leaving them in a pile on the floor.  They are not lonely though... so many other things are keeping them company down there, scattered throughout the house.  If only I had the energy to do it all.  And in that I find the blessing of thankfulness... the gift of a husband who does so much to contribute to the workings of our home, even if can't right now. 

He is healing... slowly.  Is there any other way? 
Rest, rest, rest... over-do.  And the then cycle begins again.  We are thankful for that too... that any healing comes his way.  Very thankful that three broken vertebrae will heal.  So we continue this balancing act with a smile... managing the pain, forcing the resting, picking up the slack, making due with the situation of right now.   My heart and soul are weary, but even in this I see His plan and embrace it.  Prayers are answered and I am taken by surprise at how much He provides.  He has a great plan, one greater that we can even fathom.  I praise Him in this storm... and follow Him as he leads me on my way.