At my house, we have already celebrated Thanksgiving.  Rather than trying to make everyone’s schedule conform to the specified date, we decided to observe the holiday this past Saturday.  Moving the date gave us a holiday that was less stressful: no fighting crowds at the airport, no lines at the grocery store.  It was simply a day to be with friends and family enjoying good food and wonderful company.

With our official Thanksgiving already complete, I won’t be spending today finalizing the menu, picking up a 20-pound turkey, or preparing the house for company.  Instead, today I can truly reflect on what I have to be thankful for.  I am humbled by the quantity of things for which I am grateful.  Friends, family, health, work, home, these are just a few items on my list.

In the rush of the holidays, I know how easy it is to become consumed by the desire to make everything perfect.  I know I did my share of that last Friday night and Saturday.  However, as I sit at my desk today and consider tomorrow, there is such a sense of peace in being able to pause and appreciate all I have.

As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you also can take the time to reflect.