Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I hope that your day is filled with plans to enjoy the holiday and reflect on what you're most thankful for this holiday season. As I drove into the office through the downtown area of my sleepy city yesterday, I couldn't help but notice how quiet it was. It was unusual for a Wednesday morning, but with so many kiddos out of school, and folks off of work, it made sense. I didn't have to rush to drop my oldest off at school, and I took an extra minute to stop for coffee and enjoy the program that was on the radio.

I walked into my office space and quickly realized that I would have the place to myself for the morning. The whole town was busy, making preparations for the annual Christmas parade taking place that afternoon. I, of course, was squeezing in every last possible minute of work time before the holiday weekend officially kicked off. I knew I'd have to make a quick run to the grocery store, fighting my way through seas of people who also waited until the last minute to get their needed groceries for their Thanksgiving feasts. I couldn't help but feel tired before I even got to the grocery store- just thinking about it made me want to hide under the covers until Saturday.

And then, something clicked. I stopped in my tracks and remembered how blessed I am. I have people I love to be with on Thanksgiving. I have two sweet kids to drag while kicking and screaming, to the holiday parade. I have a loving husband of 11 years to fight my way through Black Friday shopping crowds with. I have the luxury of working for myself and being able to take 2 1/2 days off from work this week, knowing that I'm being paid. I can be at church this morning, giving thanks in a place filled with people I love and respect- a place I was able to choose to be, freely.

I know there will be those who are alone today. Some because they're estranged from their loved ones, others because duty calls, and they're protecting our freedom, our cities, or working to care for total strangers. If this is you, I'm thankful for you. I'm thankful for your existence. I'm thankful for your gifts. I'm thankful for your selflessness. I'm thankful not only for my life, and all of the people and things that make it good, I'm thankful for yours, too.

If today isn't a day filled with images of a bountiful harvest, just remember that you may be in a dry season, and feel as though you have dry bones, but God's love and grace are abundant. He's able to finish what He started, and breathe new life into your tired spirit.

Can you find it in your heart to give thanks today?

Happy Thanksgiving!