Two boys banter back and forth at the breakfast bar, laughing. I lift my eyes from making lunches for a moment to realize how much they are enjoying one another. My oldest looks up at me with a genuine smile, “Mom, I’m so glad he’s here.” Slightly confused, I ask who he is referencing. “My brother! I’m just so glad I have him in my life.”
This stark contrast to his words from two nights ago when he wished he “never had a brother”, took my breath away. As I relaxed into the goodness of the moment, gratitude filled my heart.
Gratitude has the ability to breed joy. Joy in the midst of our challenges. Gratitude, giving thanks.
Thanksgiving can always be found. Always.
Considering the theme of travel this month, along with Thanksgiving, I realize that sometimes the most profound travel that we can experience is through the varied roads that our hearts take as we journey along on this adventure called life. Being present to the moments as they happen, remembering the stories that were, and hoping for what will be, allows us to live more fully embodied, and hopefully brimming with gratitude.
It has become my tradition to create a playlist for Thanksgiving and I am honored once again to do so this year. Every year, the music contains some common threads and yet it is unique as it reflects the places where my heart has been this year. I invite you to enjoy this playlist of mine and hope that you will allow yourself to sit and feel, to create your own list of gratitude that reflects your unique heart and story this Thanksgiving.
Bethany Cabell, a lover of simplicity, is often inspired to write by the relationships she holds as a wife, mom, and a physical therapist. Bethany, her husband and their boys returned to life in Texas after wandering off to the Midwest for a season. What she once pictured her life to look like has forever been changed by her two sons. Navigating this messy and beautiful path of parenting two children each with their own unique challenges, she finds grace and beauty in the gift of each moment.
“Gratitude has the ability to breed joy.” Thank you for reminding us through your story, that sometimes it’s the simple things that matter the most. And thank you for the playlist. I’m looking forward to checking out the songs. And whoever puts the pictures on Red Tent – thank you. They are always so beautiful and special.