I've never had Thanksgiving roll around so fast and be over so rapidly! This year, Thanksgiving dinner was a "community" effort. Our oldest is back for a short break from college. We decided that instead of mom doing all the cooking, each member of the family would contribute to making Thanksgiving lunch or dinner...depending on how long things took.
Well, it turned out to be quite a feast. Our youngest made his famous mashed sweet potatoes and a coffee cake. My husband deep fried a spicy capon and plantains and boiled the green beans. Grandma contributed an African favorite Jollof Rice and collaborated on the cod baked with a tropical flair in mango salsa. My oldest son delighted our tastebuds with his signature au gratin potatoes. And I rounded things out with Ginger Sala's cranberry chutney and stuffing, pumpkin pie and fresh rolls.
But what was really cool about today was the camaraderie. Yes, the kitchen scene was a little harried at times with all that creatin' going on, but it was worth it. There's no substitute for time and simply being able to relax. I also talked with a long time friend today for over an hour. It was a time to catch up...time to be real & share. Today was interwoven with those moments...at the dinner table, in the kitchen...just hangin' out.
This process of enjoying simply being is a journey of growth for me. I'm learning that perfection isn't about looking good, it's about being real and actually being present in the moment. The moments are the only place where true appreciation can take place in "living color." I'm so often guilty of lurching past the moment trying to grab the future or driving backwards seeking to remake the past.
During the holidays, it's not necessarily easy to enjoy the closeness of family. It seems that the slowing down can allow tensions to percolate which don't have the space to bubble to the surface in the busyness of everyday life. There have been holidays where this has been more difficult...times when my drive to make things perfect was gained at the expense of impatience with perceived imperfections.
We're in a time of challenge right now in Michigan. I know that for many families, this holiday season is tinged with real fear and dread. For some, Thanksgiving dinner was simply not an option due to finances. And it's hard to talk about because it's very hard to admit vulnerability. But the truth is that we are all vulnerable and being perfect isn't nearly as important as being whole. This is about becoming solid inside where it counts. It's about honesty at the gut level. Honesty that reconnects us with the core of the things that are truly important; the things that can't be bought. This makes a difference and is reason for real gratitude.
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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Now....how did I know that your writing would soothe me this evening?
Honesty that reconnects us with the core of the things that are truly important; the things that can't be bought.
Ah....this is what it is all about. The core again :) .....and you know what Lola....I believe you when you are saying that sometimes we expect things to be perfect instead of living in the moment. I am living in the moment right now ...right here on your post actually....and out of all that is imperfect in my life....including the vulnerability and dread ..... I am content....knowing that at the core of my being is still (at least for this moment :)
Thanks...Lola...I'm so happy to have read about the camaraderie in your home today. That in itself proved to be a very thankful day for you....and put a smile on my face.
Imperfections? Isn't this what makes events and celebrations so special?
Lola, I enjoyed reading this beautiful post of yours early this morning. It sounds like you had quite the feast! I'm so glad you were surrounded by family. I've been thinking a lot about 'honesty at a gut level' and how it affects our lives and those lives around us.
Thank you for a very thought-provoking and heart-warming post,
Jo
My house was chaotic today and I loved every minute of it. Last night we watched old videos of past holidays, and trips with the kids when they were little. We all had good belly laughs.
I agree in order to be whole, it starts with honestly on the inside and radiates out. Great post.
Hi Lola, Your post mad me hungry again. It certainly sounds like you had a wonderful day. Sometimes chaos is exactly what we need to help us relax.
This was our first Thanksgiving in years that we didn't spend with family. We did however have a great day at the Church and their community dinner. The food and company was excellent.
Lola - there are many ways to celebrate any holiday or occasion. And, in my world, imperfection is a necessary ingredient - if for no other reason than to keep us grounded.
Generally, all of us on AR have so much and we are always striving to have more. At times we forget that there are those that would love to have our problems - because their world is so bleak.
Revel in the imperfections of being human. That's what prompts us to grow and re-examine our purpose.
Kay, Thanks for your comment.
Michael, I appreciate your stopping by to read and comment.
Carole, Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. It's good to hear that you had a good day as well.
Andrew, It's a wonderful tradition...and much less work if you're the mom. :)