Thanksgiving 2012...

It is never a good idea to reserve being thankful for one day out of the year.  I can imagine that other people in the world who might know of this tradition in the USA might think it somewhat odd, especially since it gets somewhat overshadowed in an unattractive way by pre-Christmas materialistic hysteria.

In our family, our traditions are in flux, with one newly married, one just far enough away to make the trip home difficult to manage - but with a wonderful family of friends with whom to celebrate, and with the rest of us just looking forward to a "time out" with some good food and visiting.  Wherever we are, we are grateful for each other, and all those we hold dear.

So, why the pictures of a dirt path and some trees?
Well, this was a discovery I made last week while walking in this part of the gardens for the first time in months.  During Hurricane Ike, this area was flattened into a wasteland.  Downdrafts from the storm flattened all trees and undergrowth in a circular pattern that was
something to behold.  Now, 4 years later, there are pines grown from seedlings standing 8-9 feet tall, clumps of holly fern repopulating and a few hardwoods starting to tower over the pines.  This had been my favorite path before the storm, and while it is different now, it is absolutely lovely in it's own way.  A personal little Thanksgiving for me - to see that nature rebuilds. A reminder that healing happens.  Life goes on with encouragement from and thanks given to to the One who ultimately heals us all.