Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. I loved the crisp in the fall air, the change of seasons, the day to see family, play games, eat food, make memories. Over the last few years, our holiday traditions have shifted as us kids get older, move away from home, start new families and new traditions.
But it's a nostalgic thing.
This year, being in Latvia on Thanksgiving. The first time not being with family on this favorite holiday of mine. It makes my heart sad. But thinking over the last year, over all the things I've been able to do, all the ways I've grown and developed, all the people I have met and grown to cherish, I may be sad in this moment, but I have so much to be grateful for.
I am grateful for the stretching moments. The last few years have been filled with challenges, but each moment of difficulty has provided me so many opportunities to grow. I have grown in my faith and my ability to trust fully in God. I have grown in my identity, being rooted and grounded in who I am before Christ rather than before people. I have grown in my abilities, doing so many things comfortably now that I never thought I would ever do. I have grown in my sense of adventure, seeing each moment as an opportunity to widen my perspective, rather than just being afraid of change and newness. I have grown in my ability to be thankful for the little things, seeing beauty and joy in the world around me.
I am grateful for all the people I've met. I am grateful for all the new places I've been able to explore and fall in love with. I am grateful for the ability to look ahead with anticipation. I am grateful for all the ways God heals my heart.
So much to be grateful for. It is good to be reminded of these things.
This Thanksgiving may look a little different. But really, it's because of these differences that I can truly be so grateful here on this day.
