This picture was taken by my sweet friend, Sarah Durden, last Thanksgiving at my Daddy and Mamma’s farm. It was the very first picture I posted on the Corbin In The Dell blog. I had no idea what I was going to write about. It has sat empty all year with a “coming soon” description attached against my better judgement. This year has proven to be a year of transformation, discovery and confirmation that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am so thankful for everything and everyone around me. Once you find true gratitude within your heart, I promise you will find that IT is enough. The piece below is a something I recently wrote for a website that I occasionally write for, but I decided to keep it for myself. Regardless of genetics, make sure to hug your “family’s” neck today!!!
I grew up a farmers daughter. There was a time that I ran like hell from farm life, but now I can’t get enough! It truly was a gift. Thanksgiving was when Daddy actually got to slow down for a minute. For better or worse, the crops were in. Some years it meant celebration when the harvest was bountiful. Other years, we had the next year to look forward to and plan. Regardless, we all had each other.
Daddy and Mamma worked so hard. Back then, I don’t think I knew just how hard. These days, I am very fortunate to have a husband who is my best friend and an extended family on both sides who I don’t know where I would be without them. As the turkey sets in its apple cider brine and the bourbon-rosemary mop is ready to baste that broad breasted white, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
The holidays are like beets. You either love them or you hate them. It seems that all the noise around us can take away the simple pleasures of the season. A recent sentiment I heard was “It’s not happy people that are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy.” Before all the tinsel and holly berry take control, set aside a moment of thanks. In the words of Beastie Boys,
“…What’s gonna set you free, look inside and you’ll see, when you’ve got so much to say, It’s called gratitude, and that’s right.”