Giving Thanks

This weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving, which for many people (me included) means gorging ourselves on as much turkey, stuffing, gravy, and pumpkin pie as our poor little stomachs can handle.

Thanksgiving is mostly celebrated in Canada and the United States on different dates in the fall (from what I know).  Its origins are a mix of Native and European traditions.  But without going into a lengthy history lesson Thanksgiving was originally a holiday to communally celebrate the end of a successful harvest and share its bounty with one another.

It has morphed a bit to more of a commercial state over the years but I like to think that some of that original magic and communal sharing wasn't lost over time.  Families still get together to celebrate, although many of us don't participate in a harvest anymore, it still is a celebration and oppurtunity for a great feast.

The Unplanned Path along a Different Road

Sometimes the path may be scary looking, but it will always lead you somewhere worthwhile

Many of you may be wondering where I get my inspirations for my reflections and more thought provoking things I write here on my blog.  Many times it is the "light bulb" syndrome where everything clicks for a few minutes and I have my moments of genius.  But more often than not a see is planted in my mind by someone else.  Whether it be a passage I find truly inspiring in a book or another blog, or a comment or email that one of you the readers sends me about a recent post.  I can't tell you how many posts I have written because I was inspired by feedback given by you, the reader.  That is why I am always pushing for more and more feedback, whether it be through email or the commenting section; it is my secret inspiration pool :)

Today I wanted to reflect on a post I recently read by one of my favourite bloggers Cathy Jones Tittle at her blog ~just my thoughts.   I think what speaks most to me about her blog is its eclectic nature, very similar to my own.  There are posts about her journey in life, photography posts, and truly inspiring posts with deep lessons. 

Recently I read one of her posts that deeply touched me and got me thinking quite a bit.  The post was titled "Be My Baby"   (to read the full post click the link)

Although I strongly suggest each of you go read her post the Cole's notes version is:
They were on vacation and just had a splendid meal so decided to take a different route back to her sister's house so they could hit up some wineries.  The Garmin had other plans for them and directed them into the middle of nowhere.  Instead of getting angry, like most of us would, they continued on their journey to find some lakes and ponds that were supposed to be full of Canadian geese at this time.  Upon arrival, disappointment again, no geese to be found.  The frustration was beginning to set in when she came across one of the most beautiful scenes in nature a mother bird (a peahen and it chick in tow).  Like I said please visit the post to see the photo in all its glory!  She finished her post with a wonderful lesson on life that again I refuse to spoil to for all of you.

What really got me reflecting was the story in its totality.  I found it to be a perfect metaphor to our lives, taking on a road less travelled feel.  Sure the road was chosen for them and not the one they had planned and hoped for, but really in our lives how many times do we end up travelling down the road we hoped and planned for. 

As I read this simple story I couldn't stop thinking about how this small journey so emphatically paralleled my own life.  As many of you know the "garmin" that directs my life decided to take me on a wildly unexpected turn and give me Acute Leukemia.  Like it Cathy's story, the beginning of my new road was filled with a bit of disapointment.  There were so many things I had planned to do and now they were either no longer possible or were going to have to wait a long time to accomplish.  Like Cathy though, I continued to move along my new road with no expectations of what I would find, but have been pleasantly surprised.  I have found more beauty and growth in my life that I doubt I would ever go back and change directions at that fateful turn. 

This journey has led me to realize that life always has a bigger better plan for us that the one we have devised and planned for ourselves in our heads.  Unfortunately, often times we put so much emphasis on these plans we create that when they don't come to fruition we can be devasted and not be open to all the possiblilities and beauties that lie waiting for us on our new journey.

So always remember, when a fork is thrown into a road and you are led down a path you never fathomed or planned, forget your disapointment; GET EXCITED!  Slow down your pace and stop looking for the easiest exit of this path and start looking for all the beauty hidden all around you.

Remember, although you didn't plan it, you were always meant to take this path.  Make sure you find the meaning, enjoyment, pleasure and beauty of it while you are on it!

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