Week 9: Gratitude

So, I am home on the east coast for Thanksgiving, and since I am not able to come home for Christmas, we are celebrating it as well.  The flight home was an all-day affair, and there was a lot to do at home when I arrived.  But it was all worth it.  I love being home, and love getting to see my family.  As I get older, I realize the importance of not taking this time for granted.

For years, I have kept a gratitude journal, and every evening, I write at least five things I am grateful for from the day.  It has helped me through hard times, and I am able to more keenly appreciate and remember the amazing times.

When my family was together last night, I couldn't help but sit back and just listen to the chatter - the memories from past gatherings, the recaps of the each person's last short while, and the retelling of funny stories - not feeling the need to even add my voice to the mix, I was so enthralled with just being there, all of us, connected.  I got up and snapped this picture to capture the moment.

I love this picture because of the chandelier light.  It shines from above, reflecting light like sun rays all over the ceiling.  What a beautiful source of light.  It is so bright the individual candles blur together, and the rays reflected on the ceiling look like a sunburst.  The quality of the picture itself isn't that great and the people are slightly blurry, yet the emotional quality is heartfelt, light, and warm - and the blurring together in this picture just feels like family.  To me, it feels especially warm and bright.  This chandelier light (and this room) hold so many memories - it was perfect to capture this moment for this week's blog.  For me this picture, and this week, is all about gratitude.  I try to live life with a grateful heart, and what a great reminder this is this week.