Happy Thanksgiving Or Is It?

The holidays are quickly approaching. The stores have had Christmas stuff out for months now and lots of people are planning what they will be serving for Thanksgiving dinner next week. For many people this is a very exciting time of the year but there are many people where this the the worst time of the year. The holidays can be a very hard time for people who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, or life just isn't what they thought it would be.

I love the holidays but four years ago when our little girl passed away the holidays really changed in our home. I know what it is like to lose someone and see everyone else living life. It can be very hard to see everyone around you happy and smiling and getting into the season. Sometimes I think maybe we are walking around with a fake smile on our face trying to make people think we are doing great this year when we are really falling apart on the inside. For me personally, the holidays are tough. Each year I wonder what they would have been like with her here, what her favorite food would have been or perhaps what she would have on her Christmas list this year.

If you are reading this and this year the holiday's are not exactly what you are looking forward to, know that you are not alone. I know there are times in our lives when it is hard to find something to be thankful for when we are going through what may be the toughest time in our life.  In John 16 Jesus is talking to the disciples and telling them there is going to be a time they will grieve and mourn but their grief will turn to joy.  In John 16:33 Jesus says "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Although it can seem like we are all alone and there is no one around we are not alone.  Jesus does not abandon us.  He is walking right beside us the whole time holding us up.   God can give you the peace that passeth all understanding.  I believe that was my prayer for so long that he would just give me peace.  During my early days of loss I found out that my comfort was through HIM.  I read quite a bit in the Old Testament back then and it seemed God always had something to say to me in the books of Psalm, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Job. 

This past week at Bible study we were talking about joy.  The lesson referred to Psalm 30 and was talking about "joy comes in the morning".  When I was reading this it reminded me of a song that our choir sang in the church I grew up in.  The song was called "Joy Comes In The Morning".   I remember after Kate's death I would think about this song often.   I am living proof that Joy Does Come In the Morning!   I wanted to share the lyrics of this song with you but after much searching could not find the lyrics to the song and I don't know if I remember all the words so I found a link on "YouTube".  I hope you will all take 5 minutes and listen to the words of this song.  "Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning"! 


My prayer for everyone this holiday season is that you will lean on HIM in the good times and the bad times and know you are not alone because Jesus is with you and HE is wanting to give you the peace and hope that you desire during this holiday season.

We all do have something to be thankful for....Jesus Christ died so that each one of us might live.  If you do not know Him as your personal Savior this would be a great time of the year to accept Him into your heart. 

We would love for you to leave a comment and tell us what you are thankful for this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!