Shark attack! I’ll never forget the bewildered faces on the beach. A shark attack in Destin? How dramatic! Alas, it was not a shark attack. It was a three year old who had her Daddy’s undivided attention and did not want to lose it. So, she does what only Laura can do. She makes you fall in love with her as she’s thrashing about to an imaginary shark. That’s my sister.
Sausage. I’m pretty sure that’s what FLEX was saying, repeatedly, as he barked in my face. One threat from me and he’s scrambling to his safe haven under the coffee table. As I pull him out by his front paws, he immediately shuts his eyes and “dies”. His tail slaps the hardwood in a fierce frenzy and I walk away because who can see a hundred pound pit bull when they can’t see you? That’s my dog.
It’s time to dance. These are the words he whispered to me as he pulled me from the couch and wiped away my tears. He danced me around the living room until I felt safe again. That’s my husband.
I’m here. The words are a gentle whisper to a trained and obedient ear. He speaks them when I am seeking, wavering, and singing His praises. That’s my God.
This Thanksgiving is about reflecting on my above blessings. This year was very special to me because I found my sister, we were blessed with FLEX turning five years old, Clint and I are about to celebrate ten years together and we are building a solid foundation on Him. I believe that if we are not constantly evolving then we are not growing. Relationships evolve and I am no longer scared of that; I am thankful.
When I went to L.A. to visit Laura, I knew I would have fun but I was not prepared for the young woman I was met with. She was as witty and beautiful as I remembered her and she still carried her heart on her sleeve but there was also a quiet confidence that has become more profound since I last saw her. We talked, laughed, and cried. We found our voices again. I left L.A. confident that she has found her place in this world and that even in California she is the brightest star.
FLEX is still right in the middle of everything. Our efforts to make him an outside dog have gone over better than expected but we still find him sprawled on the couch or underneath our feet more often than not. Even at five years old, he’s still my spoiled rotten spunky puppy.
Ten years! I’m so excited and thankful! Yes, it is work but it’s worth it! When I think back over the last decade of our life, I see how we have built memory by memory something that is going to last a lifetime. I am so thankful and humbled to have Clint as my husband. I feel as if I finally have the home and constant that I have always wanted and my goal is to provide that same feeling for Clint.
Hi God, remember me? I now pray without ceasing. I started this back in February of this year and it works! I seek Him and I really do find Him. Through my study this year, I have found a God of love and mercy. Mercy is precious to me because I know how flawed I am but this word gives me hope and has allowed me to release my guilt so that I can become the woman He is calling me to be. I am thankful for my friends who have encouraged me this year and who have accepted the changes I am making in my life. I hope one day I can help others as they begin their walk.
In a small nutshell, this is my Thanksgiving. I am truly thankful for my God, family, and friends. I pray for each of you who are reading this that God will continue to bless you and that you will not be too busy to stop and capture little moments. If you are thankful for someone, tell them. If you need prayers, pray them. It’s a wonderful life and we are blessed to be a part of it!
