Blessed!

This past week flew by very quickly. Back home it was the week everyone was going back home to celebrate Thanksgiving, and the same day was both my mom and step dads anniversary and the Lebanese Independence Day.  Being the first year away from the majority of family, and the first year sans-Thanlsgiving, it was quite a bittersweet feeling for me. Not wanting to ignore Thanlsginging as it is one of my favorite holidays, except Christmas, of course, I took the opportunity to really think bout what was goin on in my life and what I was truly blessed and thankful for at this point in my life. The past three months have been a whirlwind of differences and emotions and events; and while I've had all the time in the world to be introspective and realize all that and whom I have in my life, it was important to see beyond the surface of my blessings. It was important to see how much God provides for me, from my safety to my health and to the simple necessities in life that I have never had to go without. I focused on all the love and support I have around me, regardless of distance physically, and that even when I may feel alone I can have peace that I never am or will be. Blessings go beyond family and friends though, and I realize how much I take for granted still. Even while being in a country so set apart from the States, I still don't properly thank God for being able to see the world in this new way, or to have this opportunities and experiences that I don't even know that are around me yet. Blessings in people, places, words, feelings, books, nature,things, there are so many blessings in my life that I forget to is creepy be thankful for. So even though I missed out, begrudgingly, on turkey and stuffing and way too many sweets this year, which I should be thankful for in itself,and hated to be away from my Scarpetti family, I am so beyond blessed and prized under the love of my God. While I'd love to say and have conviction in that I will continue,everyday, to remember how loved and cared for and blessed I am with my wonderful
 family, my friends and everything else, I know that I will fail many times. So here is to Thanksgiving, an important day to look at your life and praise God for what you do have around you, and to all the other days where you won't remember to be so thankful, but can try you best to count as many blessings as you can. Happy Thanksgiving for always!