I’ve been sitting with some heavy thoughts as we approach Thanksgiving.
August brought an unexpected turn when my mom suddenly passed away. I’m still picking up the pieces, trying to make sense of a world without her. What makes it harder is knowing as these holidays kickoff is that her birthday falls on Christmas Eve – a day that’s always been special in our family.
Every year since my kids were born, we’d gather on Christmas Eve to celebrate her.
After her funeral, my family and I were cleaning out her apartment (she was quite the collector of STUFF), and we found a box of Christmas presents from last year that she’d misplaced and never gave us. I’m holding onto them to share with my family on her birthday one last time – a final gift exchange with her, in a way.
I know many of us are dealing with our own versions of pain this holiday season – whether it’s the daily challenges of raising children on the spectrum, complicated family dynamics, or personal losses. Some days, it feels impossible to see past the darkness.
But something I’ve learned (and keep learning) is that when I CHOOSE to believe that God/my higher power/the universe is working for me instead of against me, EVERYTHING SHIFTS.
I have connected with a few spiritually passionate families over the last few weeks that helped me to recall some readings from the Bible.
There’s this powerful verse in Joshua 1:9 that says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
And in James, we’re reminded that “faith without works is dead” – but I’ve come to believe that works without faith in our children’s capabilities, no matter where they fall on the spectrum, is equally dead.
When I choose to believe that EVERY single person and circumstance in my life serves a purpose – to nurture, teach, discipline, strengthen, or grow me – nothing is wasted. Even the hard stuff has meaning.
Each day presents TONS of reasons to choose fear, overwhelm, resentment, bitterness, and disappointment. But we can still choose love, connection, and compassion.
It takes courage, but what an incredible way to live when we’re brave enough to make that choice.
As you gather this Thanksgiving, remember what never changes: you were created on purpose, for love and service. Choosing love DESPITE the darkness is perhaps the most courageous thing we can do – it’s the choice that brings true fulfillment and joy, regardless of what’s happening around us.
So even though this will be a harder Thanksgiving for our family, I remain HOPEFUL.
I’ve trained myself to see the beauty, the miracles, to BELIEVE that this life is truly a gift. Even in the midst of loss and change, there is still so much to be grateful for.
From my heart to yours, Michelle
P.S. THANK YOU for being part of my journey. I AM GRATEFUL for your stories, struggles, and triumphs. They continue to inspire and teach me every day.
P.P.S. Whenever I cook or bake I do it with the intent of it being a 10! (You’re shocked I Know) I don’t get to cook very often so I look forward to this time of year. Turkey isn’t the most glamorous protein to cook but I’ve found the PERFECT PROCESS to making the best juicy bird for the last few years, that I’ve been anointed the Turkey Maker because of it. Normally my husband playfully jokes don’t tell anyone! BUT I CAN’T KEEP THIS TO MYSELF! If you’ve been struggling with a dry turkey, I combine these 2 recipes to create a FLAWLESS GOBBLE GOBBLE. SO CHECK IT OUT AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU MAKE IT! XOX
The secret to my bird is I BRINE overnight. I get (and clean) a 5 Gallon Bucket from Home Depot and use the Pioneer Woman’s Brine recipe followed by Gordon Ramsey’s Turkey PREP – BUT I substitute the LEMONS for LIMES.
My Favorite Turkey Brine Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/my-favorite-turkey-brine-2250057 INGREDIENTS: 3 cups apple cider 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup kosher salt 3 tablespoons tricolor peppercorns 5 whole bay leaves 5 cloves garlic, minced 4 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped off Peel of three large oranges, removed in large strips 1 turkey
Directions - Combine 2 gallons cold water with the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, rosemary and orange peels in a large pot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover.
- Allow to cool completely, then place into the fridge to chill. Place uncooked turkey in the chilled brine solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
- When ready to roast the turkey, remove from the brine. Submerge the turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside.
Discard the brine. Remove the turkey from the clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.
Gordan Ramsay Turkey Prep:
WATCH IT HERE: |
