This is my second Thanksgiving away from home. I didn't really see it as that big of a deal. I'm sure everyone misses the big feasting with close ones. Though it wasn't really a day of reflection for me (shame on me, I know :P), I used it as an excuse to really take my time and enjoy wandering around my city - unintentionally rediscovering the beauty of it. Also had a nice wannabe Thanksgiving meal with Faith at some restaurant named, Harvester. (Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, the works...)
I really love this time of year. I understand there are people out there who are against "hallmark holidays," because they think it's too cliche to tolerate and it's a marketing tactic. Their argument is that you should be appreciative and loving 24/7, not just 1 out of 365 days. I get that, I really. But what's the harm? I don't think it loses any sentiment if you keep the right people in your life. It's fun when everyone's on the same page and in the same festive mood. It makes these cherished moments more valuable and precious, because they ARE rare.
But anyways... that tangent wasn't supposed to happen... haha.
A day late (for thanksgiving reflection), but better late than never, right? I realize that I'm at a point in my life where I've never been more thankful for my family and true friends. I'm half way around the world from home, and my usual resources aren't as easily accessible (communication tools, health care, etc.) I'm so appreciative of my parents for allowing to have this once in a life time experience. Their unconditional support makes me miss them so much more. I kinda had a break-down a couple of weeks ago, and cried to my mom on the phone (I never cry in front of my mom). She already had all these solutions up her sleeve for me. She was so willing to just fly me back home immediately and forget this semester despite the fact that it may delay my graduation. She was so supportive when I said I wanted to drop my marketing degree and only pursue my management degree. My dad and I actually had a conversation that lasted over 10 minutes; a conversation with substance. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. The appreciation for these small moments spike so much higher when there isn't an abundance of them. It's not even just about my close ties with my family, but being so far away, I also am able to acknowledge my most treasured friendships back home. It takes quite a bit for friends from home to reach out to me when I'm so far away. Thank God for technology, but there are still quite a few inconveniences (time difference, no calling/texting, etc.) I appreciate my small circle, because I now know everything is rooted in love. Sending all my love from the UK to the friends I can only count on 2 hands!
I hope that I have the courage to not only be thankful for what God's given me, but to be truly thankful for just Him.
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." - James 1:17
Lieben Immer,
N.M. Chow
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