All about the Holiday's...

This is what holidays and vacations are about...

I am truly a non-stop, always-on-the-go, 24/7 kind of person. I am really involved at school, I try to invest my time, energy, and full attention into my family, fiancee', and friends as much as possible. I follow my heart and accept every challenge given to me-- even when I should say no. Therefore I am constantly tired. Dont' get me wrong I LOVE doing so much and having so many opportunities--but I am extremely pressed for time-- ALL the time.

This Thanksgiving holiday I came to Macon to spend it with my Father's side of the family, like I always do. :) And I was thrilled and excited--because they are beautiful, precious people with the most wonderful hearts. I was looking forward to the laughing, the ridiculous games, my Meme's amazing food, and some much needed "cousin-catch-up-time"-- but in the back of my mind I was also dreading the horrendous amount of school work I have due when I return to LaGrange from break.

A HUGE project, a 5 page research paper, problem solving packets, a case study...and the list goes on and on. I knew I was going to have to prioritize and be organized--but I was really disappointed that I was going to have to sacrifice some wonderful family time.

So I spent the night laughing, eating, and talking with them last night all the while slowly trucking away at this work load- little by little. After they all left, I DOVE in and tried to get much accomplished, because I hate the feeling of unfinished work hanging over my head while I'm trying to enjoy myself.

I was worried that I was going to be spending my thanksgiving day enjoying myself--but constantly being reminded of all I needed to do. I was debating working on some of it during apples to apples, and during the packers v. lions game-- but as I was contemplating what all I should do I got a very unexpected phone call.

My sweet, handsome, intelligent, and brave cousin Zak was calling me. Zak and I are barely 5 months apart and have spent our entire lives doing everything together. He is absolutely the closest thing I have to a brother. We grew up together, started middle school together, high school, learned to drive at the same time, we graduated at the same time-- we even got engaged during the same summer! We are practically twins-- but after high school Zak chose to join the military. He is truly an inspiration to me--because I would never be that brave. After a short year of all different kinds of training--Zak was called to leave his home, his fiancee', his family & his friends for a deployment to Vincienza, Italy.

Zak spent his Thanksgiving at 20 years old, away from his home, his family, and the love of his life for my freedom. My freedom to say what I want, act how I want, and be who I want. My freedom to use this day to THANK the Lord for all who HE is. I sat there on the phone listening to a man whom I place on a pedestal just call to tell me Happy Thanksgiving. It absolutely humbled me. It was kind and so pure.

So after I got off the phone I pictured Zak eating with his squad, at a precious stranger's house, that was kind enough to give them a place to eat and warm food. But as kind as these people are and as sweet as their gesture was-- I couldn't help but be sad that Zak couldn't be at home with my family and what a difficult challenge that would be for me.

So I silenced my worries about my school work. Is it important? Absolutely! Am I still going to have a LOT of work to do? Without a doubt. But I decided I was going to take this day to relax... to spend my day in the moment with my family. So that is what I did. I spent every moment enjoying their jokes, embracing their personalities, taking each hug I could get, trying to make them laugh, playing silly games and singing the night away...because I could never be more grateful to have the opportunity to spend my Thanksgiving in a warm, comfy home with family that I cherish and adore. And that is what the Holiday's are all about!