holiday joy

the anticipation for the holidays this year seems stronger than ever. maybe it's because, now that i'm married, we just can't get to chicago as much.

everyone at work keeps asking "what are you excited to eat"? i love it all - especially the stuffing, but nothing as much as my mom's gnocchi. see, even though she's not italian - she's stuck with a bunch of italians around her and it's only right that on thanksgiving, we celebrate it all.

joel is sure he hit the jackpot! gnocchi, bread, salad (with grandma's salad dressing), stuffing, potatoes, turkey, apple pie, and other lovely treats we don't even know about yet.

but being the sap that i am, the best part is family. for me it is the chance to be with my family for an extended period of time, to help my mom be the hostess with the mostess (though she by no means needs my help), and the opportunity for joel to get to know all of them better and better.

to me the question is "what are you blessings this year?" without question, i have too many to even begin to describe - and it's something i hope i never lose sight of. i have a husband i can't believe is walking this life with me. i have parents who i trust and love and enjoy. i have siblings who continue to do great things and be great people. i have in laws that are fun and loving and have always made me feel welcome. i have a job. i have a cozy and welcoming home. i have the most incredible friends than i have ever had in my life.

this just reminds me that these are not only blessings to me, but reasons for me to continue to focus outward, on others needs. mine are fulfilled. so many others don't have the things i do.

my prayer this season is that God would give me eyes to see - to see the beauty and the pain in other's lives - and not only to see, but to act. it's a tall order, but i know this prayer will not go unanswered.