There were almost 20 of us every year…gathered around a long table that spread across the living and dining room.  My mom or one of my aunts would host Thanksgiving…with loud Uncles and screaming kids we would enjoy the plethora of food (I seriously don’t think I can even paint the picture of ‘plethora’), too much to even savor the taste of everything. 

Although Thanksgiving in Canada is in October I now shift traditions to November as I live in the USA. The big family dinners have shrunk to more of our immediate family but sharing it with friends and now celebrating my youngest daughters birthday at the same time are new routines we love! 

It reminds me that it’s time to give back.  With things being a little crazy busy I won’t lie, I find it difficult to volunteer on a weekly basis.   But I have to say one thing I love is being able to give back in a different sort of way.  We attended Mill Creek 4 Square Church for a number of years and I am so happy to say we maintain a great relationship with all our friends and pastoral staff there.  So of course I was honored to be asked to do their staff photos.  It’s a way to reconnect, laugh a little and bless them with something other than another expense.  I feel it’s small but when I know that I God has given me this gift and these are some of the first people who ever supported me…I am humbled and oh soooo willing to be able to do this.

Donating, giving back, and being thankful  doesn’t have to look ‘normal’.  I love that there are many little things that mean so much to people.  I think in the end it’s just about doing ‘something’…whatever that ‘something’ may be.  I am in no way a philanthropist but I do love using big words…and  I am THANKFUL!