I know this may be silly, but I am thankful for Martha Stewart. Please, do not misunderstand me. I love Martha Stewart. I am honestly inspired by her, and in awe of what she has created from her vast knowledge of homemaking.
When Lovie and I first married, I learned so much from her TV series Martha Stewart Living. That is where I learned to bake cookies and make stews, where I learned to fold a fitted sheet and all the important little details about Depression Glass. It is where I first learned to decorate a dinner table, and how important it is that everyone feel welcome.
One thing I also learned from my hours watching Martha Stewart is that I didn't have to pressure myself to be perfect. Oh, the inclination was there. The desire to keep up with Martha was there. But then I realized, my stew doesn't have to be made from vegetables I grew in my own garden. My fitted sheets don't have to folded "perfectly," I can own one heirloom piece of Depression Glass that belonged to my husband's grandmother; I do not have to be a collector. I can bake cookies with my children from a mix - and my children don't care...they just love baking cookies with me :)
So today, as Thanksgiving approaches and I begin making my never-ending lists, dreaming up seating arrangements, tablescapes and side dishes, I am thankful for Martha Stewart. She taught me so much in my younger years. She has created for herself a legacy.
I, too, can create for myself a legacy. Only mine will be filled with memories and traditions I have created out of time spent with my kiddos...not hours making sure everything is perfect.
Only By His Grace,
Billie