I've never had Thanksgiving roll around so fast and be over so rapidly! This year, Thanksgiving dinner was a "community" effort. Our oldest is back for a short break from college. We decided that instead of mom doing all the cooking, each member of the family would contribute to making Thanksgiving lunch or dinner...depending on how long things took.
Well, it turned out to be quite a feast. Our youngest made his famous mashed sweet potatoes and a coffee cake. My husband deep fried a spicy capon and plantains and boiled the green beans. Grandma contributed an African favorite Jollof Rice and collaborated on the cod baked with a tropical flair in mango salsa. My oldest son delighted our tastebuds with his signature au gratin potatoes. And I rounded things out with Ginger Sala's cranberry chutney and stuffing, pumpkin pie and fresh rolls.
But what was really cool about today was the camaraderie. Yes, the kitchen scene was a little harried at times with all that creatin' going on, but it was worth it. There's no substitute for time and simply being able to relax. I also talked with a long time friend today for over an hour. It was a time to catch up...time to be real & share. Today was interwoven with those moments...at the dinner table, in the kitchen...just hangin' out.
This process of enjoying simply being is a journey of growth for me. I'm learning that perfection isn't about looking good, it's about being real and actually being present in the moment. The moments are the only place where true appreciation can take place in "living color." I'm so often guilty of lurching past the moment trying to grab the future or driving backwards seeking to remake the past.
During the holidays, it's not necessarily easy to enjoy the closeness of family. It seems that the slowing down can allow tensions to percolate which don't have the space to bubble to the surface in the busyness of everyday life. There have been holidays where this has been more difficult...times when my drive to make things perfect was gained at the expense of impatience with perceived imperfections.
We're in a time of challenge right now in Michigan. I know that for many families, this holiday season is tinged with real fear and dread. For some, Thanksgiving dinner was simply not an option due to finances. And it's hard to talk about because it's very hard to admit vulnerability. But the truth is that we are all vulnerable and being perfect isn't nearly as important as being whole. This is about becoming solid inside where it counts. It's about honesty at the gut level. Honesty that reconnects us with the core of the things that are truly important; the things that can't be bought. This makes a difference and is reason for real gratitude.
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