This week most of the United States takes a pause to celebrate the things we are thankful for. And while I’m definitely grateful for turkey and pie, there are so many more things that make me grateful for what I have.
My family is just as dysfunctional as anyone’s. My sister and I don’t see eye to eye politically. My brother and sister don’t particularly like my husband. My parents don’t manage well when things are different in any way from how it’s always been done. In short….it’s a bit chaotic. But we’re all going to be together on Thursday. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve all gathered over a Thanksgiving turkey, and I’m really looking forward to how we will put our own kind of fun into the family dysfunction. I’m very grateful that after a couple of years apart, we actually will be able to gather together safely.
My house is small. It needs a good cleaning as well as quite a few repairs. But it’s cozy and meets my needs perfectly. When I’m there with my husband and our cats, I know that I’m truly home.
My cars are old. They’re far from perfect. But they do the jobs they are intended for without fail. My Prius has 184,000 miles on it, but it still regularly gets 40 miles to the gallon or more. My Subaru is closing in on its 10th birthday, but it’s always ready to tackle snow or mud or a camping trip to anywhere.
I’ve had the same job for almost 19 years. It’s not always perfect. I haven’t advanced my career in a very long time. But that is by choice. I love what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living. How many people get to spend their entire career helping people to achieve their dreams?
A wise friend once told me that there are two ways to be rich. One is to have everything you want. The other is to want what it is you have. And this week as we celebrate the things we are thankful for, I feel very rich indeed.
Think about what you have. Think about how you love what you have. And have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy feeling rich.