Thankful

Thankful

Be Anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:6-7 NKJV

The holidays can be a difficult time for some people. If you are going through a difficult time with family, if you are alone for the holidays or if you have lost someone close to you seeing other people celebrating, posting pictures with family can be hard.

Yesterday, Nov 29, was the two year anniversary of my mother-in-laws passing. I have watched my husband's family deal with the loss in different ways. Everyone grieves in their own way and at their own pace. Some pull away from family and the home they were raised in because the memories are too painful. Some hold onto the traditions as a way to keep her memory alive. Some grieve privately away from everyone.

Sitting at the table with our family, children, grandson and my parents reminds me of how truly thankful and blessed I am. I have not had to bury a parent, friend or child. There is no empty place at my table where someone I love use to sit. I cannot imagine the pain the holidays bring to some and for that they have my prayers.

This verse in Phillipians' reminds me to not be anxious (worry, uneasy, nervous) but in prayer (a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God) and supplication (the action of asking for something earnest or humbly) let my requests be known and then the peace (freedom from disturbance; tranquility) of God which surpasses (exceed; be greater than) all understanding (comprehension) will guard (watch over in order to protect) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We do not always understand and every loss if different. My mother-in-law lived a long and blessed life. She loved Jesus and lived to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren love and serve the Lord. She was the matriarch of the family and the one you could always turn to for Godly wisdom. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She raised her children to love and serve the Lord and their families. She was fierce in her protection of her family and her beliefs. I learned a lot sitting at her dinner table and I am forever grateful for it. The greatest blessing is that we all know we will see her again.

As we are in the throws of the holiday season I just want to remind you to take a step back from the chaos. Look around you and be thankful for the blessing in your life. If you know anyone that is suffering this holiday reach out. Send a voice text, a card in the mail, or if you have the opportunity a quick get together for hot chocolate. Hold your family close, don’t let the sun set on your anger. Hug them and tell them often how much you love and appreciate them.

Jesus, thank you for the blessings in my life. You have provided me with more than I could have ever imagined. You have surrounded me with people who love me and look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. Lord I lift us those who may be hurting during this holiday season. I pray they would lean into you and your peace that passes all understanding. Comfort them during these difficult times and I pray they would find joy in their memories.

In Jesus name, Amen.