THANKFUL
A NEW DAY
By Anne Donegan Costas
THANKFUL
Being thankful is a way of life I strive for daily. I am thankful for so many things on so many plains that I cannot even count them. You are, most likely, like me. Thanksgiving Day is, I guess, a formal way of saying thanks. It doesn’t force any of us to be thankful, but it does remind us of people, incidents, and happenings that we are thankful for. I am thankful for family and friends who have carried me, stood by me in hard times, and celebrated with me during times of celebration. I am thankful for a warm home, a yard my children and grandchildren could play in, friends and family. But I am most thankful for my God. God has provided me with a rich heritage, a family legacy that is truly one that I am most grateful for, a husband that has stood by me for 43 years, two sons who are incredible young adults, AND 5 grands! My family taught me integrity by example, honesty by being honest, love by loving me.
OLD TRADITIONS
Growing up we celebrated Thanksgiving at one of our families homes. We usually went to one of my aunt and uncle’s homes with all our extended family and celebrated life! It was chaos I assume for the adults. For us it was grand. We ran, we played, we ate, we visited and ran some more. We were, of course, sent outside for the running part. My cousins and I saw each other every celebratory occasion during the year and often, in between. Traditions sometimes change as we grow older and mine did. After I married we continued spending Thanksgiving with either my family or my husband’s family. After my children were born and young we started traveling to Ft. Worth to spend Thanksgiving with my husband’s only sibling and his family. He and his wife and their 4 children along with us and whoever else they invited celebrated. It was so much fun! We spent Thanksgiving morning putting finishing touches on our meal while sipping champagne! Spent our afternoon eating, telling stories, laughing, remembering, and making new memories. They had a tradition of going to a movie(s) on the day after Thanksgiving which I thought was a bit weird the first year. I wanted to stay home where it was warm. But after one year I was hooked. A great day! Movies and then leftovers! More stories and laughter! I miss spending that time with them.
NEW TRADITIONS
As my children grew and had obligations during Thanksgiving we gave up traveling and spent Thanksgiving in our home town with my family. After my mom and dad just couldn’t continue hosting the family my husband and I were delighted to open our home to my family. By this time we spent Thanksgiving with immediate family meaning it didn’t include all my aunts, uncles and cousins. It was my siblings and their children. There were at least 20 of “just us”. Our groups changed over the years and each of my siblings now spend Thanksgiving with their own children and grandchildren and we stay in Seguin and spend Thanksgiving with my children and grandchildren. There is some sadness in change and yet change can be exciting and an opportunity for new ideas and new traditions. I have added a pinata to our Thanksgiving which we all enjoy!
OLD CHILDHOOD TAPES
Getting together with our family of origin, which is our childhood family, can sometimes be stressful. We get back together as a family and there is this weird thing that happens with us. We all resort back to our roles that we played as children in the family. It is like we are transported back in time. This is an entire other subject to be addressed at another time. It is just helpful for you to be aware of what is going on when you get together and watch out for that stress which may come as a result. Don’t let it ruin your time with family.
BEING THANKFUL ALWAYS
In all things give thanks. That is hard for me. Is it for you? I have experienced some rough times through my life and I remember one in particular that I said to God, “God–I am suppose to be thankful in all things so I trust you will do something wonderful with this mess. I cannot imagine what, but I trust your word and know you are with me.” And you know? He did! It wasn’t the next day but it happened over time–good things came of that difficult time. That is what I have found throughout my life. The hard times have helped shape me into who I am and, for that, I am thankful. Every time God answers prayer–mine or yours-my faith is strenthened. I guess that is true of most of us. It is incredible to see God at work whether in my life or the life of a friend.
I pray that each of you reading this today will have a memorable Thanksgiving. I pray you will savor those moments which only come once and enjoy those around you. Have a blessed day and be thankful—today and every day!
Enjoy God’s Blessings!
Love this! Thankfulness really is the key to living a happy life! I love how you talked about new traditions and about being thankful in all things. Beautifully said.
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Marcel’s way
Beautiful, Anne. Made me think about things in my life. I understand because have been through the tough
times too. We come out better afterwards. I love reading your blogs. Thank you for doing this and reminding
us how life works.
Ahhh-you are so sweet! This is so encouraging–you just cannot imagine how good it makes
me feel. Thanks, Gayle!