Feeling Sad and Grateful this Thanksgiving

“While I contemplate my feelings of sadness, I also intentionally reflect on the areas in my life where I am grateful. I am grateful for my beautiful daughter who gasps with delight over snowflakes and sunsets. I am grateful for my mischievous son who belly laughs and gives bear hugs. ”

Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, and strawberry pretzel salad still need to be prepared. Additionally, I need to make (hopefully) a final run to the grocery store.  This year I’m spending Thanksgiving Day far away from my family, and in the flurry of preparations I can almost miss how sad I am about it. I have a lot to be thankful for–healthy and happy kids topping the list–but Thanksgiving away from my parents, siblings, and nephews is hard and sad.

It seems that as one gets older the more we are required to hold conflicting emotions at the same time. These emotions can feel highlighted and amplified during the holiday season. While I contemplate my feelings of sadness, I also intentionally reflect on the areas in my life where I am grateful. I am grateful for my beautiful daughter who gasps with delight over snowflakes and sunsets. I am grateful for my mischievous son who belly laughs and gives bear hugs. I am grateful for Facetime and technology that allows connection across hundreds of miles. I am grateful for the ability to travel and the chance to see my family at other times of the year. I feel grateful for so many things, but I can still feel sad. And that’s okay.

This Thanksgiving I pray you are able to count your blessings as well as recognize the nuances of what you are feeling. This is life– sad and grateful hearts we bring to a bountiful table.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.