"No matter how bad things are, you can always make things worse." ~ Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels.com

Things are tight for everyone now. Inflation is high, gas prices are high, food prices are high, clothing prices are high, and let's not even mention the supply chain crisis. COVID-19 restrictions and mandates have everyone on edge. The political arena is a complete failing mess of stupidity, arcane ideas that are out of sync with the US citizens and common sense seems to have lost her mind.

I choose to be thankful for the things we have. A warm house, utilities, clothing, food, the ability to travel, medical care and insurance. Frugality and thrift were taught to me at an early age and I attempt to pass those ideas on to the kids. Our family has grown by two this year, and while there are times I've wondered HOW to get everything everyone needs, God has never let us down or left us behind.

This year, we spent Thanksgiving in separate places but still with family. Some of us spent a day together enjoying the sights and lunch followed by ice skating. Two kids went to one sister's house; myself and another went to the other sisters. We have lunch scheduled with family followed by an early evening get-together with even more family.

Christmas will be four gifts for each person. Handmade, homemade, and re-purposed will mingle with store bought gifts. Experiences are always part of our repertoire. Cookie and candy-making are some of the highlights as well as driving to look at Christmas lights. Nothing we do will likely cost loads of money because time together is more important.

I am so thankful for family, friends, co-workers and each and every one of my children for making life not only bearable at times, but fun, filled with love and cahoots and reminding me of the why behind maintaining my faith in God and living with purpose. I'm thankful that I have opportunities to spend with my kids attempting to guide them with wisdom, laughter and perseverance so they learn to hang tight in the hard times and rejoice no matter what happens.

** For those unfamiliar with Randy Pausch whom I quote at the beginning of this post -- Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and famously gave his Last Lecture at Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007. His lecture is available in its entirety here, but is a mind-blowing example of how to embrace life no matter the circumstances.