– Carmen Baylies
‘Happy, Happy Turkey Day!’ – a song lyric featured in one of my favorite films, Addams Family Values, floated through my mind as I worked out Thanksgiving plans. When considering the amount of upheaval last year imposed with social distancing protocols, my husband and I looked forward to a leisurely holiday celebration. He and I spent time preparing our holiday meal and decor. Holidays always test your flexible nature. So even though I did not watch my football games live, I shared a meal with my husband and his mother, Susan, and fellowshipped. We recorded the fun for me to watch later.
The holiday weekend began with ‘Chef Peter’ donning his apron and pitching into the dinner preparations. My mom supervised me from afar as she readied to spend time with family back home in Oxford, NC. I checked in with my sister as she celebrated her birthday and the holiday in her new home. My father called Peter, and I tackled a 17lb turkey and fixings.
With the uncertainty that consumed our world, our priorities constantly hold to essential truths. With faith remaining my center and guiding light, our needs focused my actions and thoughts. My family, friends, correspondences, work, and doubters encouraged me to continue forward toward completion. My soul was and is grateful.
Counting our many blessings, I remembered lean times and great times. I found it essential to see and recall things and attributes that make you thankful. I appreciated my family, friends, work, and health this year. My heart gladen that I have not yet seen the fullness of God’s mercy and blessings. With all the struggles and obstacles, the blessing business remains operational.
