Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; can you believe it? In a year like 2020, I have to say that it almost felt odd to sit down and focus on gratitude and to spend time giving thanks. In in the face of immeasurable challenges this year though, we’ve come through as a family, and I have to say that gratitude is actually what I feel most compelled to lean on right now. Because I won’t post on Thanksgiving day – instead spending time with our friends and family – I wanted to take the time to share what I feel prompted to give thanks for this year.
I’m Thankful for a Slower Pace
Let’s be real – the Army generally kicks us in the butt, and 2020 was no great exception to the rule. However, our quarantine in the spring afforded us quality time together as a family that we’ve never seen the likes of before. For one glorious month, Ryan worked from home and, when I was laid off, we balanced working from home, freelancing, parenting, and enjoying quality time together as a family. That slower pace is everything – especially to a military family.
I’m Thankful My Family’s Adventures Together
I have perpetual wanderlust, and I’m always excited about the next big adventure and sight to see. We’ve done so much together this year, even without being able to travel abroad since our trip to South Africa. We’ve adventured from the mountains of Mt. Rainier National Park to the hidden snowfields in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. We’ve found shipwrecks in our own backyard. Each adventure has blessed us, and we’re grateful to explore with friends, as well!
I’m Thankful for My Career
I won’t lie. Adjusting to a new job at a new company in a new role has been incredibly hard, and I’m not having the easiest time finding that proverbial balance again. But after six long months of searching for a job, receiving multiple interviews and rejections, my skillset was validated, and I found a great job. It’s exciting (albeit daunting), and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing financially to our family and honing my skills.
I’m Thankful for This Duty Station
What, you say? You’re thankful for a duty station you claim to dislike? Yes, I am! JBLM has been a hard duty station for our family, but it’s also been a season of immeasurable growth for us. Never before have we been so tested and so challenged day in and day out. We’ve been forced to seek the good and focus on the positives, and that’s led to a gratitude mindset. And, above all else, I’m grateful to explore this beautiful area of our country with my people, which is the best gift of all.
I’m Thankful for Our Health
In spite of all the illness plaguing our world today, we’ve come through fairly unscathed. We have healthy, resilient children. We have weathered a storm with little more than colds and sniffles, and it’s not lost on us how very significant that is.
I’m Thankful for This Platform
I started my blog seven years ago as a way to connect with other military spouses. September marked seven years of blogging and, in that time, I’ve connected with hundreds of incredible military spouses. I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve used this blog as a journal of our family’s adventures whilst geographically separated from our extended family. It’s been a sort of diary for our crew, and I’m endlessly grateful to go back through these posts and relive our journey together.
Giving thanks isn’t something we should just do once a year. It’s something we should value and uphold every day, challenging ourselves to focus on the good and how it breathes goodness into our lives. I wish you and your families the happiest of Thanksgivings – even in this crazy year, my friends.
Tell me – what are you giving thanks for this year?
