It has been a difficult month. A month of bruised and broken promises, of closed doors. A month of bills and bad news. A true fall.
The one shining light at the end of this November tunnel was the promise of escape; a vacation, a seasonal celebration, but not in the traditional sense. I ran away with my family to the Current River in south Missouri and spent nearly four days wifi free and far out of cell tower range.
It was bliss.
Thanksgiving day we floated the river in canoes, watching wildlife. The morning air was crisp. We layered our heavy winter clothes and slipped silently through the water, guests at the table of eagles and otters, of trout and a lonely coyote.
That evening in the cabin we circled our holiday feast with thanks.
My offering went something like this: I am thankful for the many challenges this year has presented to me. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more about myself, to grow and change, and I am thankful for all of the people who love me enough to help me evolve.
And I feel ready, if not prepared, to face the rest of this year, this decade, with a grateful and happy heart.
