Giving Thanks

Hi, Everyone!

Here is a special Saturday edition blog post, simply entitled “Giving Thanks.”

 

You know, I admit that I kinda pined over not spending Thanksgiving with Mom, Dad, Gramma Jewel, and the rest of my family, but then it hit me: Even though I’m east of the Mississippi River, I still have a family to go home to. Yes, I am out of my comfort zone, but I still have a place to lay my head when I get bored with dormitory living. It really didn’t hit me until this morning, which is why I am writing this blog. Now, don’t get me wrong—I do realize that being homesick is natural, but I’m just saying that I have truly understood the meaning of giving thanks.

 

I don’t know why, but for some reason, Gramma Jewel’s houseguest Rebecca has been on my mind so heavily for the past couple of days. I thought about the conversation that we shared, in which she let me know how fortunate I was to have a grandmother like my Gramma Jewel. That was really sweet of her to say, but in addition to that, I can’t help but replay the advice that she gave me afterwards:

 

“Natasha, I envy you because you’re the richest girl I know. You’ve got a family who loves you so much—they haven’t stopped talking about you. I wasn’t so fortunate to have such a caring family like you do. Listen, I want you to promise me this: Never stop thanking God for your family.”

 

Rebecca’s testimony really spoke to my heart, so much so, that I started crying—not for me, but for her. I know that Rebecca and I have never met, and it’s obvious that I don’t know her situation, but my heart really goes out to her. Listening to her brief testimony has made me feel that much grateful. Yes, most of my family is in L.A., but guess what—they’re still my family. And besides, the greatest blessing is that my Great Aunt Reesie lives in Nashville, and my Great Aunt Donna lives in Memphis; both of them are just a phone call away. I also have another Southern family in the form of Ruby’s parents, who may have adopted me as their honorary daughter. And I sure as heck can’t leave out Gramma Jewel’s college roommate, my newly adopted honorary Auntie Gladys.

 

Rebecca is absolutely right—I have so much to be thankful for.

 

With that said, I leave you with this final thought: The Thanksgiving holiday may be over, but to a Christian, every day is a day of giving thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Until Monday, y’all take care.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha