Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving all!  I hope your day was filled with joy and reasons to be grateful to our glorious Lord and Savior.  I know sometimes it's hard to feel that gratitude.  Those who have lost loved ones and are experiencing the holidays without them for the first time often struggle to look up, to feel joy and enjoy the days of this season.  My heart goes out to them, I've been there.  When I lost first my Dad many years ago, and then my Mom a few years back those empty chairs were a glaring reminder of that loss.  Others are sick, fighting illnesses they can't see and reeling from the news of that illness and the treatment that comes with it.  Job loss, tight times, etc...all can be overwhelming to our sense of thankfulness.  It's hard to focus on the positive when the negative seems so big.  

All that being said I know there is still plenty to be grateful for.  Our God is bigger.  He is with us in the hard and the easy, the low and the high.  I am so grateful for that in my life.  

I watched a video on line a couple of days ago which reminded me to count the blessings I do have.  In this video a woman lived in what didn't even amount to a shack.  The floor had holes, the roof was tarp and broken pieces of wood made up the sides.  The front was completely open to the elements.  This was no real shelter.  It humbled me.  I have so much, I can't count high enough to thank God for all that He provides.  Every person in my life, past and present, every shingle on my roof, each piece of food, the Bible I so freely carry, and especially the salvation I so easily take for granted.  I could go on and on and never stop with all God has given me.  

I've gone through those hard holidays, the ones where the memories of the past brought tears instead of joy, but eventually that changes.  And until it does, as we go through the losses and the difficulties we can bless God by being thankful.  I think when we are thankful in the hardest times it is a sweet smelling sacrifice to our Lord.  It says, "God this hurts.  I hate it.  But I trust You and am grateful You are here."

Psalm 107:22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

Psalm 116:17 I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.

This takes extra looking and fortitude.  It takes a deliberate choice mixed with faith.  It's hard!  But I can testify it is so worth it.  It brings us up and out.  It pleases God and obedience always lightens our load.

Lord, be with those this holiday season that are hurting.  I know so many that struggle, I've been there myself.  I know You plan good for each and every one of Your children. Help us to find the blessings when our worlds fall apart...they are there I know, because You never leave us nor forsake us.  Please provide for the needs of Your children and take care of that women in the video.  No matter what happens You are good.  I pray this in the Name of our Savior, Jesus....whom I am so thankful for.  Amen

Make a gratitude list.  Every day!