Thankfulness

I love Thanksgiving, but this time of year is always bittersweet. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy good food, play games, and share laughs.

However, it’s also a reminder of the loved ones who are no longer here to share these moments with us.

As we reflect on those lost loved ones, may we find comfort and thankfulness in the beauty of the memories that we were blessed to create with them.

I am reminded of James 4:14 that tells us this life is but a vapor.

May that realization encourage us to grab the hands of the ones who are still here and squeeze them a little tighter.

I know family dynamics can be challenging. It’s unrealistic to think that family will never have disagreements. And sometimes those disagreements are really serious, and it takes a while to recover from them. Be that as it may, family is worth fighting for. Having family is a blessing.

The Bible poses a question on how we can claim to LOVE God, whom we haven’t seen, but HATE our brother (or sister), whom we have seen (1 John 4:20).

I want to encourage you as you sit across the table from your family this year, to appreciate who is still beside and across from you. I’m not saying pretend like issues don’t exist. I’m not saying pretend like it’s one big perfect family. If you need to have tough conversations, do it! But keep Proverbs 15:1 in mind when you do, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Let this be a time to stop, reflect, and appreciate the loved ones in your life. Be thankful for the time you have with them and make the most out of that time.

With love and gratitude,

Danielle