Today is a day when we celebrate our blessings and reflect on all the wonderful things we have to be thankful for. It’s a good thing to stop and express our gratitude — we all have much to be thankful for.
However, some of you are probably really struggling this Thanksgiving. Maybe your spouse recently left you, or your child has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, or you are battling an addiction, or your finances feel like they are in shambles and you are just digging yourself into a deeper hole because of unemployment and ever-mounting bills.
Life is hard and messy sometimes — and just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean that the pain and burdens are lifted.
If you are struggling today, I want you to know that you are not alone. You are not the only one. And you are going to make it through.
Don’t lose heart. Don’t lose hope.
And I want to encourage you to do two things:
- Look for something to be grateful for. It might feel like you have to look really hard, but I think that if you start to look for something to be grateful for, you will find it. (And it could be something simple like clean drinking water or clean clothes to wear or a roof over your head or running water or a bathroom in your house… when we were in India last week, I was reminded just how many people don’t have access to basic things like this that we so easily take for granted.)
- Find someone to show love to. When we focus our energy on loving and blessing those around us, we are blessed in return and our heavy spirits will likely be lifted up, too!
Also, if you are struggling today, I’d love to pray for you. Just leave a comment on this post or send me an email and I will stop and pray for you by name. Because I want you to know that you are seen. You are not alone. You matter.
A Heartfelt Word of Thanks to Each of You
I also wanted to take a moment to thank you to each of you for everything you mean to me and how you bless me on a daily basis by reading here.
Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for being faithful readers. Thank you for commenting and emailing.
Thank you for sending in suggestions, telling your friends, subscribing to the podcast, and buying my books and courses. Thank you for the way you constantly encourage and cheerlead me.
From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful for you.
As I looked at the above comments, I felt that there are many of us that have some challenges and disappointments, especially during the holidays. I am in my 70s, and unfortunately, I still have the disappointments.
However, the Bible says… ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’, this is what I cling to, God’s Holy Word, to give me the strength to go on. May you receive peace from HIM.
This is such an amazing reminder! -Jordan, MSM Team
Thank you for this post and your blog. Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate your praying for me by name. Struggling with inundation and loneliness both physically and emotionally.
I’m so sorry that you are struggling, Marlo. I just stopped and prayed for you.
Just myself and my two kids today, lost my husband to cancer a few years back and lost my mom this past year. Been a difficult day emotionally, just trying to make it nice for my kids, but really not feeling any of it today to be very honest. Hopi g the rest of the season feels more joyful.
Jill: I am praying for you are your children today and will continue to. I am a single mom by choice of 2 amazing girls. Boy do we have our struggles on many days, but I then always have to take a step back and think about all the Lord has blessed us with. A nice home, food on the table and clothes in our closets. The loss that you have endured breaks my heart as that hole in your heart is always there. In hard times I imagine that the Lord is walking right by my side as if we were walking down the street together gently guiding and always loving.
I’m so sorry, Jill! I just stopped and prayed for you.
Thank YOU! I would so appreciate prayers for my oldest son, that he would grow into becoming the man we see in him, and that he finds his identity in Christ. Thank you.
I just stopped and prayed for you, Heather, and for your son.
I love reading your blog. Also, loving your podcast. Been with you since you started and you always seem to post what I need to hear….thank you. Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family (and the people who read this blog.) We certainly all have struggles/ challenges. I would appreciate a prayer ? for my family and for me so that I have the tools for whatever support they need. Thank you for all you do and your strength in sharing.
Thank you for your kind words, Patti. I just stopped and prayed for you and your family.
My brother died in June. This will be the first holiday celebration without him, and it is going to be so hard for us. Please pray for my family.
I am SO sorry for your loss, Barbara. 🙁 -Meg, MSM Team
So sorry for your loss. Hope you were able to have a good Thanksgiving.
I’m so sorry, Barbara. I just stopped and prayed for you and your family.