Blessed in This Season

Our Gratitude Tree

It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and as I lay in bed talking to the Lord, I began to reflect and thank Him for all the blessings He’s bestowed on me. Then, I knew I couldn’t just call it a day without sharing a dose of gratitude with you, my friend. So, here I am.

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving wherever you are and in whatever season you may find yourself in. The Bible reminds us that there is a season for everything and that there’s nothing new under the sun. What a wonderful message when we’re able to perceive “all the things” through eyes of thankfulness. Sometimes, that takes a lot of miles.

I realize it’s not always a happy holiday for some and that’s completely understandable. I get it. It’s okay! Truly, as life happens, things change. Days continue to come and go, the clock keeps ticking…and our worlds are constantly being bombarded and affected by this and that. Some good things, and some we choose to label as “not so good.” The Word mentions that too. Life is full of trouble as the sparks fly up…and things happen to the just and unjust. I know, I’m quickly paraphrasing. I’m too tired to look up the exact wording and references. Please give me grace!

However, I want you to know that no matter where you are on your life’s journey, there’s much to be thankful for. I understand we sometimes have tunnel vision and cannot see past the biggest obstacles present — disappointments, grief, sickness, dark seasons or road blocks in life. It takes time to be able to find beauty in the ashes…but God is faithful and will do just that for us if we’ll keep being pliant and submissive to the journey He asks us to walk with Him. We’re all asked to carry our cross. I was reminded just the other day that He’s promised if we suffer with Him, we’ll reign with Him. I wouldn’t want to try this life without Him either!

This Thanksgiving has been a bit different for us. All our plans had to be altered because the Norovirus decided to intrude on our territory. My oldest princess got it first, then my hubby, then my youngest princess, then myself…and I’m praying that’s the end of that. In Jesus name!

My oldest princess has been planning to stay “all the days” of Thanksgiving break with Noni and Pops, so she managed to be well enough by Monday to begin doing just that. She’s still here! In fact, they’re both here under my roof tonight sleeping in sleeping bags in the living room underneath their princess fort.

My husband was a huge blessing to me the past two days as he’s been getting over his bout, and God helped me feel well enough today. With the extra help of some coffee, I was able to get some of our traditional foods ready for tomorrow even through the lingering headache and sickness. We’ve all been exposed, so we’re keeping to ourselves but doing our best to celebrate just the same.

So, as I lay in bed thanking God for His many blessings, my mind began to reflect on the road I’ve been traveling down the past decade…and it feels good to be able to consider myself BLESSED.

Thru it all…my faith has been strengthened, my roots have grown deeper, and I’ve learned to lean upon Him more than ever before. He’s truly exchanged ashes for beautiful memories and moments, He’s turned mourning into dancing ( yes, I may dance with a slight limp, but I dance!), and He satisfies my soul and soothes my heart like nothing else.

As I lay here thanking Him, thinking back and realizing where He’s brought me from — and where I’m headed- I just proverbially stand here, amazed. My heart is at peace, my mind is sound, and there is great contentment with and gratitude for what God allows me to hold in this season. I am blessed! That hasn’t come easily, my friend. Sometimes He had to gently nudge me through while I was kicking and screaming. Trust me! Yet, He is faithful and is called the Good Shepherd for a reason. I’m SO grateful!

My friend, wherever this holiday finds you, know that you don’t have to do it alone. There’s Someone to help carry your load if it’s heavy. There’s a gentle Savior who will wrap you up and hold you close if you’re brokenhearted. There’s a Shepherd who will search you out and carry you close until you’re able to walk on your own again. There’s a Defender who will fight for and protect you. There’s a Peace Speaker who can bring unspeakable joy to strengthen your life. There’s a Rock you can stand and dance upon. There’s a Provider Who will be sure you have exactly what you’re in need of. There’s an Anchor to keep you grounded. The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords — Jesus is His name. He is the Rewarder and Author of our stories. He is the Redeemer of the most hopeless cases. This is why I’m so excited and thankful to celebrate tomorrow.

You see, real joy isn’t about what we do or don’t have or whether we’re happy or sad this holiday season; it’s about recognizing Who we have and Whose we are. We have so many promises to hold onto!

No, I haven’t felt this way 100% of the days of this last decade, but tonight I can look back at every valley with gratitude and look forward to an eternity where there will be no more tears, sorrow, pain or death. My friend, however you feel this holiday, remember you’re not alone and that there is hope. Life is worth living, just give Him space to work in your life. If He did it for me, He can do it for you. Then one day you’ll look back, like I am and reflect on the faithfulness and goodness of God…and give Him thanks too.

It’s now officially November 27, so I can say, “Have a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving Day…right where He has you in this season. Hang onto hope and His promises.

May God bless you richly ~