Giving Thanks

I am a little dismayed this week. I was in charge of plates and napkins for my son's preschool Thanksgiving Feast. I looked everywhere in (and out) of town and there was nary a turkey plate to be had. I couldn't even track down a cornucopia or the more neutral harvest leaves and pumpkins. I even checked all the discount stores that are notoriously out of season. There was nothing, this week of November 17th, nothing except Santa Claus and Reindeer plates-everywhere. It seems Christmas is not only here early, but it has replaced Thanksgiving all together.

So, as a protest against the skimming over of my favorite holiday I have decided to make Thanksgiving a week long affair. I will give thanks-every day on this here bloggity blog for things in my life. I would love to have your comments-even those who never comment-sharing what you're thankful for too.
Let's take back Thanksgiving-at lease while it is still November.

Today I am thankful for my body. I have spent a good deal of time in my life being critical of my body. The older I get, the easier it is to criticize. After all, as I age it is now pudgy and saggy-not a great combination. Today though, I am choosing to focus on all that my body is, not all that it isn't.

My body might not be a perfect size 6 but no matter the tag on my jeans, it has never let me down in all of my 35 years. My body ran a marathon. My body has packed and moved more times than my brain can count.

My body helped create, nurtured and birthed three perfect, beautiful children. It was not easy but my body did it-each time I asked it to. My body allows me, every day, to wake up and pour, pack, stroll, chase, bound, tickle, swim, sword-fight bad guys, sit on the floor for puzzles and crafts, bend to tie a shoe and lay to snuggle. My body allows me to be a fun mom and a fast mom and a strong mom whenever I need to be. My body fights infections so that I am a healthy mom. My body puts up with the abuse I give it and comes back for more every single morning.

My body was responsible-in part- for snaring my husband all those years ago. Despite the overuse and occasional overindulgence that have added years and inches to this body it can still, on a good day, stop my husband in his tracks. What more can you ask from your body?

It is a good body. It is a strong body. It is a useful and dependable body, It is not a perfect body. But it is mine and I am forever thankful.