This week has been a fun Thanksgiving preparation week, both on the hospitality front as well as the project-completion front (my basement looks pretty again!). Bryan and I are hosting seven adults and five children (including our own family) for dinner tomorrow afternoon, followed by an open invitation to hang out with us in the evening for dessert, games, and a little football (or movies?) on the HDTV. Anyone in the area who wants to join us, just leave a comment or send me an email.
As long as you’re not a stalker. Or a church protestor.
What’s on your Thanksgiving menu? I’m supplying the turkey and stuffing (my favorite recipe from Gordy) and a few surprises, and friends are bringing the candied yams, potatoes, green beans, and pies aplenty. One of my friends is from Haiti, and she’s bringing a special Haitian dish. I’m so excited!
I also got a great idea from Suebob to hang some butcher paper on the wall in my hallway so everyone who passes through our home tomorrow can write down things they are thankful for.
On a personal note, I want to publicly thank Annagrace, Julie Leung, My Pink Toes, and my many offline friends who have encouraged me during the last few weeks via emails or in person in regards to the content I post on this blog. You may not have known it at the time, but I was feeling in a ‘tight spot’ on many levels, and if I may take the liberty to say this: God used you to encourage my heart and confirm why it is that I enjoy this medium so much. Thank you for taking the time to send those emails, and for reminding me how important it is to encourage others.
Many moons ago I began blogging to process through my grief as Gordy’s health declined, and in the process I discovered my writing voice and a deep love and commitment to continue writing. Grieving drew out my gift, and now I am convinced it is my calling.
Writing publicly has matured me, challenged my critical thinking skills, thickened my skin, opened my mind, brought me new friends, and given me confidence in myself and in the gifts God has given me. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for this blog, for you who read it, and for the few who have taken the time to participate in the conversation.