Early Thanksgiving

Sometimes the most difficult of times can also be the best of times. 

When you find yourself seemingly trapped by circumstances that are overwhelming you may be lucky enough to discover that there are people who will stand by you that you would not have dreamed would do so.  These are times to cherish.  They teach you trust.  They also teach you humility.

So often we go through our days thinking that the battles we face, we face alone. This does not have to be true.  Being strong does not have to mean standing alone.  It can mean having the courage to allow people to stand both for and with you.

I learned this today.  It is a lesson I hope I will not soon forget. 

Despite my basement ceiling and my angry washing machine,  despite the daily concerns that nag at me as they nag at each of us, I have learned that I am indeed not alone.

In this world of mass confusion,  where our ability to communicate without ever seeing or perhaps even knowing those we touch with our words can create friendships that span continents, we find ourselves graced in ways we have not truly explored.  We also take a chance on losing our ability to remain in touch with the now of our daily lives.  We may take for granted the people that interact with us in each moment, large and small.

I have done this.  Yet to my very pleasant surprise, these people have not taken me for granted. 

When I needed them most they stepped up to stand beside me.  They silently moved to be there.  To hold ground with me and to make my world a place filled with light and balance.

Take the time to look around you and to give thanks for everyone who has time to say hello, offer a smile and a greeting.  These are the people who will one day be there for you too. I suspect they will be the people you will find yourself stepping up for as well.

In the end our world is not quite so complex as we may think.  It still comes down to who we choose to be.

I am grateful for the people in my life.

An early Thanksgiving to you all.