“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Thanksgiving has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year. The world is only getting colder and sadder and harder, yet I am more at peace and more at ease. Seems odd, I know, but it hasn’t taken long to figure out why. I’m intentionally being more thankful. After a few years of the loss of loved ones, I’m now more thankful for my family and friends who will gather around my table tomorrow. Our uprooting and moving season is finally over, so I’m thankful for our home and for being replanted and settled. With long lines at food pantries like the one I passed yesterday on the way to Piggly Wiggly, I’m thankful for food on the table. And yes, I’m in such a small town that we have a Piggly Wiggly.

I’m thankful for better health at the end of this year more than its beginning. I’m thankful I get to write again and thankful you’re still willing to read it. What I know for certain is that we all have some sort of struggle—or many struggles—in which and through which we can and should be thankful. Some are dealing with the loss of loved ones this year. You may feel alone and lonely. Most have financial struggles. All have family drama, whether it be in raising kids or allowing grown kids the freedom to fly. You might be assisting aging parents or finding a way to love crazy in-laws. Whatever your struggle, just know that God will do something through you in the midst of it if you allow Him. Those around us see Jesus best when we demonstrate His love to them even and through our hardest days.

More vital for your own sense of peace is to know that God will do something in you through this season of struggle, and the next, and the next. After years of my own personal and family struggles, I’ve come out on this side wiser and stronger. I’m more tender and compassionate. I see people and circumstances in a different way than I was once able. I find I’m not so hard on myself, and I don’t push myself so hard. With many hard times in my rearview mirror, I know more are still ahead. While we never want to embrace struggles, much can be said for them since we are all being tenderized and sanctified through them.

“To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise,
for You have given me wisdom and power.” (Daniel 2:23)

Recently, when talking about illness, my pastor said, “God’s not mad at you. He knows He can trust you with it.” That really hit home with me, and I see how it can be said of most of our struggles. The Lord has a plan to use them for our good, the good of those on whom we make an impact, and His glory. Let Him.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

That’s all for now. I just wanted to check in and tell you I’m thinking of you and thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving! Intentional Thanks-being!

Love through Jesus,
Lisa