By Beth West.

Friday:

• Got to meet up with the Moretons who were in town signing adoption papers. (Something they’ve been waiting 44 months to do!!!)
• Enjoyed a date with my hubby to Macaroni Grill, courtesy of a gift card from some very great folks.
• Slept through a movie.

Saturday:

• Enjoyed being the last one to get out of bed this morning. (I’m usually the first one up.)
• Enjoyed some lovely Sam & Ella’s with the Burrys in preparation for the 3rd annual “picking out a Christmas tree with the Burrys.”
• Picked out (& watched as Ben cut down) our Christmas tree.
• Painted more of the living room. 3 hours of painting & not a whole lot to show for it….but it’s getting there!

Up next:

• church
• decorating the tree
• a presentation of Handel’s Messiah at a church just down the street from us.  (I’m really loving Christmastime in the city!!!)

To wrap up this month of giving thanks, I decided to go a little deeper this time.

Today I am thankful for community.

I’m grateful that we live in community. Someone once told me that he didn’t need anyone. And I just remember thinking that statement was so un-true. And feeling sad for him. And as I get further along in life, I realize more & more that we truly were created to live in community with each other.

I read something recently that the 10 Commandments were given to us not just as instructions on how to live up to this personal moral code; but as instructions on how to live in community with each other. It’s been interesting thinking through that thought & wondering if & how that changes my view of community.

But for now, I’m thankful for community. That we don’t go through this life alone.

That there are others around me to remind me that I am ok just the way I am.

That there are others around me to challenge me to think outside my box & myself.

That there are others around me that don’t think like me, & didn’t grow up with the same experiences that I have had.

That there are others around me to give me hugs.

That there are others around me.