When I was a child, my mother worked hard at making meal time pleasant.
It would have been easy at the family gathering for her to complain about what had gone wrong for her that day. My father, a publisher of a daily newspaper, could have brought the challenges of his day to the table.
My sister and cousins who sometimes lived with us could have tattle-taled on each other.
My grandmother, who also lived with us, could have regaled us on her aches and pains.
But we didn’t. Complaints and general depressing conversation were banned for 30 minutes.
My mom, instead, had us discuss the “bright spot” of our day. Each of us in turn had to tell the family about their bright spot.
It could have been as simple as my father enjoying a UNC basketball score or my sister making a good grade in school.
Whatever it was, it had to be positive. Often I would save my “bright spot” for the dinner table instead of earlier in the day, waiting for my turn to share my delight. It was like telling a good secret.
Those bright spots filled the crevices of our lives. They reminded us each day that despite all the things that might have gone wrong, there were still things to be thankful for. Every day had some bright spot. Sharing them added light to our lives.
Right now I have so many bright spots that I almost need sunglasses.
My husband of 33 years is a joy to be with every day and I am blessed to be married to him.
Our eldest son, Solomons, recently gave a ring to the bright spot of his life, Christie, and we welcome her as a future member of our family.
Our youngest son, Avery, and his wife Lindsay are expecting our first grandchild. (We know it’s a boy!) We pray for his safe delivery and know he will bring many bright spots to our family.
I am lucky to have a close family where I am treated like a daughter instead of a daughter-in-law.
My sister and I connect often through e-mail and phone, sometimes sharing those bright spots and remembering our parents’ love.
I am lucky to have a job and work with so many caring and talented people. They give me bright spots to make my days enjoyable.
I hope everyone takes the time to recognize the bright spots of their lives - even the tiniest rays of light.
And on Thanksgiving, when it is time to share a meal, also share God’s gift to us all.
What is the bright spot of your day?