Our First Thanksgiving

Today we host our first Thanksgiving in our first home.

This year has held a lot of firsts for us - first jobs, first masters degree, first time being self-employed, first house, first time living in the country, etc. This is also my first time not being with my family, or any family, for Thanksgiving. Maybe this wouldn't have felt like such a big deal other than the fact that I have a ridiculous love for my family. Call me bias, but my siblings and parents are amazing.

But...

Today I am thankful for the people, none family by blood but whose fellowship is dear, who are joining us to give thanks over the blessings in our lives. 

I am thankful for a 22 lb turkey courtesy of our friend who loves to hunt. After all, it doesn't get much closer to the first Thanksgiving than that, right?

I am thankful that I have the freedom to pursue photography full time. 

I am thankful for my best friend and husband who I love better after a year of firsts.

I am thankful for a family that I miss during today. Dancing in the kitchen while cleaning up will still happen, but definitely won't be accompanied by as many sassy remarks. 

I am thankful for the ability to grow, learn, and change.

I am thankful for all the blessings provided that I neither asked for nor deserved. 

I am thankful for all the gifts that I didn't see as that at the time, but that have unfolded into something beautiful. 

Today I pray that your day is spent in community with others thinking deeply and rejoicing loudly over your blessings. And we will be doing the same (probably with some Taboo or Catch-Phrase thrown in the mix, too)!