Thankfulness

                       

         

                                             - Thankfulness -

What are you thankful for?   During tough times can we be thankful?   With the loss of our spouse, how are we to be thankful?   How often have we asked God – “What are you thinking?”

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let’s reflect about what we may have had.   These may be tough for you to read, as you may still may be hurting.   A few things such:

• The memories the two of you shared.
• The love the two of you had for each other.
• The trips or vacations you took together.
• Perhaps you had children together and now you have grandchildren.
• With the loss of a loved one, during the holiday season, it is difficult to be thankful.  If this is your first season, please be patient with yourself! 

With the changes in your life, you may just want to hibernate. Be careful if you find yourself hibernating for more than a few days.  Perhaps some of you may not have had a loving marriage.  Or you are heartbroken for not being financially taken care of.  There is nothing that can totally prepare us of being alone.  This year may be interesting with the Covid virus and the restrictions that have been put on us.

We certainly cannot change what has happened in our life, but we can rely on God to help us through it.  I know it is difficult, but God has promised to be there for us each step of the way. Philippians 4:6 reads:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  You may be thinking, it seems we get anxious just trying not to be anxious.   With that being said, if we truly rely on God, He will take away our anxiety. 

I do understand when we are going through tough times in our lives, it isn’t easy to believe this is it?   But in talking someone who has walked this journey with you, it certainly helps us think things through.  We also realize if others have gotten through tough times,  so can we.

This may be a long shot for some of you, but being joyful will also help you be thankful.   However, another of God’s promises is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which states:  Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Again, this may be difficult to handle during these times.  In looking back on my past and see how God has carried me through losses and trials, it helps me remember how He has been there for me.  Perhaps keeping a journal of tough times in your life.  Upon looking back, it is a reminder of how God has helped you through many things in your life.  God’s promise is found in Philippians 4:5 which states: The Lord is Near.  From life’s experiences and reading back on my journaling, I certainly have found that to be true!

One of the sweet memories I have of my mother was her reading the bible.  One of her favorite verses was Psalms 106:1. This verse states:  Praise the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. She loved this verse and after her passing, I realized important it was to her.  She relied on God and knew His love did endure forever.

May you be thankful this season even though it may be a tough time of year.   Here are some things to consider to help you through this time:

• Think of the sweet memories you have had.  
• Remember the silly stories you share with others that love you and your spouse.
• Perhaps burn a candle during this season in honor of them. 
• Make a scrapbook of memories for yourself or your children.

Things have changed a lot for many people this year.  Not just because of a loss, but because of a pandemic, many will not be celebrating the holidays with their families which makes things more difficult.  Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to call your friends or loved ones to help pass the time.

Blessings to each of you during this time of year.  Remember, God is with you each minute of the day.   Hugs and prayers to you!!!