Maya Angelou said, “Be present in all things, and grateful for all things.” I’m not always able to square that circle. How can you be grateful when it’s entirely possible to wake up every morning to bad news, worrisome statistics, and personal fear of the unknown future?

I had a friend share a quote from a monk with me the other day. It went something like, “see your anxiety and fear and sit with them, welcome them and smile at them.” Being present with anxiety? CHECK. Smile at it? Hmmmm. I think the monk meant that our goal is to familiarize ourselves with the concept that we have very little control in this life and we must do our best to adjust our outlook.

This year does not need another commentator, so I’ll skip the phrases we’ve all heard about 2020 since March. Endless complaints, like platitudes, don’t help, so let me just say this:

I am present when I am with my son at the breakfast table each morning. We’re just here, eating and jabbering, and plotting what the day may bring. Recently, watching him do something as simple as stuff acorns into his overalls was a moment I soaked up.

I’m present when I’m in prayer, reading scripture or from my daily devotions. Yes, my mind wanders, but with focus and discipline, I find the message meant for me, or at least I try.

I’m present when I chat with my family. There are still decisions that need to be made, stories to tell and retell, and – when possible – memories to make. I’m present when Ryan and I have time after Finley goes to bed. Sometimes it’s a struggle, but we need that connection for sure.

All of these – and more – make me grateful. It as if being present is the parent of gratitude. Slow down and tune in and you’ll see reasons to give thanks.

Ryan and I know that this year is like no other many of us have seen in our lifetimes, but it’s important to count our blessings. We are certainly grateful for each of you. You fill us up creatively and with your friendship, laughter, encouragement, prayers and collaboration. Thank you for that. We hope that we always give it back to your in spades.

Happy Thanksgiving. Whatever that looks like for you and your family, I hope you feel both present for the little moments and grateful for what you have.

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs newborns and families, special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

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