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Thanksgiving…
26 November 2007Thanksgiving…
It is a wonderful tradition we have.
I learned something this year as my third grader was studying and learning about our nation’s first Thanksgiving (before we were a nation).
Did you know it was a three day feast around 1619?
He was very excited when he found a book about Squanto at our local Barnes & Noble. It was Squanto’s Journey and told the story from Squanto’s point of view. Really fascinating. Did you know that many of the Native Americans were taken back to Europe to be slaves? Squanto was and escaped and made his way back to his homeland. Squanto was instrumental in brokering peace between different native groups and the English settlers who then feasted together.
Squanto was our first international mediator! (yes, native cultures have used forms of mediation for years).
We have much to be thankful for this year.
We are to give thanks in all things.
I found myself grieving all over again this past week. Something about the holidays that brings the memories of years gone by. The pain can be deep and yet we are to give thanks even in the midst of our pain.
So, as we I look back on this year, I give thanks for:
1) mediation and all the field has taught me, I certainly have grown and hopefully will continue to;
2) my children and how precious they are and how special it was for even the youngest one (2.5) to say at our Thanksgiving table what he is thankful for;
3) the blogging community, I love you all! (and learn so much from you);
4) my dad’s life, as heartbroken as I am with his death, I must give thanks for his life and all that he gave me and his great faith and that I know he is in heaven 
;
5) our health — we had so much fun outside these past few days. Running and jumping and playing soccer in the park. How thankful I am to be able to run and jump and play with my family;
6) our trials — it is through adversity that we build character and strength;
7) our new home and selling our old home — our journey toward financial freedom and getting rid of the yoke of debt!;
8) my new job;
9) You! those who read and write and comment. It is a joy how we can learn from each other;
10) my dear spouse and all we have been through together and that our love grows stronger through all the storms of life.
Be thankful in all things even the challenges. Find something to be thankful for and practice your attitude of gratitude all year long.
When we are thankful it opens up the way for more blessings and good things to flow our way.
Never give up on your dreams!
Be thankful for the journey.
Kristina