To all my friends to the south who are celebrating your Thanksgiving this week, I thought maybe I might join you in your prayers of gratitude.

I’ve been watching my Instagram feed fill up with beautiful photographs of families, delicious foods, elegant and simple place settings, and sentiments of grace and gratitude. It’s been inspiring. All of your images and words made me stop and recognize how grateful I am; for where I am, who I am, what I have, and how far I’ve come.

Last year at this time, I thought mostly of what I did not have. I wanted to be somewhere I was not. I wanted to have what I did not. I wanted to be who I was not. But somewhere in all that wanting, I managed to grow up a little bit. To see that I’m ok.

I have a house to live in and make a home. It is small and it’s not my very own, but it is warm, and it is a friendly place to be. For this happy comfort, I am grateful.

I have these little children around me every day who help me to see the bigger picture. I am their “person” during day time hours. That’s a big deal. These smalls will not be so small one day, and to think I had a part in their growing up process is an incredible blessing. For this big responsibility, I am grateful.

I have this little blog which brings me perspectives from all over the world…from some countries I’ve never even heard of. It allows me to photograph and share what I see in my small corner of the planet. For this great privilege, I am grateful.

I have 6 incredible children of my own. They are each a clever, responsible, bright, cheeky, creative, and sensitive human being. They love their mama. A couple of them still think I hung the moon…which is awesome. For this tremendous gift, I am the most grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. And may all your days be full of gratitude. Even on those days when you have to dig deep to find it. Especially on those days.

Thanks for stopping by,

~Arlee, Small Potatoes