My Thanksgiving Day started out in a way that I will remember for the rest of my life. Nothing dramatic, nothing all that fascinating. But, the first moment of the day was special. I was fast asleep in my nice warm bed. The light coming in through our bedroom windows was still pale, almost white, the color of the first hour of sunlight on a fall day. I heard a familiar voice near my ear. Even in my sleepy state I could hear the smile on his face as he said the word.
“Mama!”
I turned, too slowly, I’m sure, eyes half closed, to look at Sawyer’s grinning face, dimples shining. “What is it?” I croaked.
He looked as if he had been awake for hours. “Happy Thanksgiving!” he declared.
Suddenly I didn’t feel so sleepy anymore. I looked into those sparkling blue eyes, and I caught the excitement. The joy of being four years old, knowing that you’re about to pack up the car and hit the road with your favorite people to stay at Mimi and Pop’s house. The thrill of experiencing a holiday, even if it is mainly about turkey and not about gifts or candy. The happiness that comes with just being glad that it’s morning and that you’re awake.
In those moments of motherhood, I feel as if maybe I understand what the Bible is talking about when it says that Mary “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” That’s how I feel about my baby boy, the first sight and sound of Thanksgiving morning, reminding me how much I have to be thankful for. Even when I’m sleepy.
What a boy, what a family, what a life, what a Savior to thank for all of it.
The moment changed my heart in some small way. It’s amazing how God, early morning sunshine, a soft comfy bed, and a smiling four year old can do that. I’m so glad I was there.
One second asleep, the next awakened by love and sunshine. I can’t think of a more significant way to kick off a day of giving thanks.
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