Thanksgiving 2015

It wasn't what we were used to. It wasn't even what we wanted. But it happened anyway. One of the more frustrating aspects of loss is that while it would seem as though the world has stopped, the rest of the world doesn't cease its turning. Life goes on, whether we like it or not. Loss of loved ones doesn't cause the sun to stay down, even when it feels like it should. Losing an identity or place doesn't prevent sunrise either. New days keep on coming, and life demands an eventual return to living.
Thanksgiving has always been an oddity for me. As a child growing up overseas, sometimes it was unconventional. But ever since I've been married to Zach, it has been a constant marker in my life. Every year, without fail, at the Pyzer house on Yankee Valley Road, potatoes get mashed, turkey gets roasted, and pies are baked. And then, this year. After the Valley Fire swept through our town, it did more than cause loss of items. Time honored traditions have been forever altered too. For some reason, Thanksgiving found us at our rental home this year. The majority of Pyzers showed up and we spent our day eating, watching football, talking, and reminiscing. Was it easy? No. Was it precious? Yes.  Those walls of the Pyzer house where my husband and brothers in law grew up held so much more than people and things. They held memories and security. My inlaws are moving into their new home tomorrow. We'll make memories there too, but there will always be a place in my heart for that kitchen on Yankee Valley. Too hot, filled with good smells of delicious food, and raucous conversation (because there are like a hundred of us Pyzers), but in the new, as in the old, there will be the love of a family, faith, and the hope that future generations will know and love Jesus, each other, and the legacy that has been so skillfully crafted.
It won't be what we are used to. It won't even be what we wanted. But it will happen anyway, and we will face each new memory with gratitude and love.

What better way to fully comprehend gratitude than to cook, clean, and sit on, sleep in, and otherwise LIVE with the generosity of others on a daily basis. I am thankful for EACH and every family/friend/church that is represented whether it's towels, bedding, couches, mixing bowls, crockpots, or fun accents. Thanksgiving has become more meaningful than ever as our family gathers and says... THANK YOU. We are so grateful for God's blessing and provision, for those He has placed in our lives, and for the promises of His Word.

Happy Thanksgiving!