November 21, 2022

As Thanksgiving nears, my focus on the things that I have to be thankful for increases. I look forward to a road trip with my son to spend time with my parents in their retirement community. We are thankful for the homelike atmosphere and the opportunity to spend time with them as well as time with sisters and other family members in the area.

One day, out of the blue, my son quipped that we are not a “real family”. “We’re just two people who live together”. As a single Mom, his comment hit home. I told him that I understood how he felt because sometimes I sense a longing for a classic family – unified in accord with God’s will for His children. Perhaps your situation leads to a longing for your idea of life as part of an ideal family. 

Reminding myself and my son of all that we have to be thankful for helps to keep our minds from wandering into the depths of sadness over missing life in our idea of the ideal family. We realize that so many are in less than ideal situations and we think of how we can be a blessing to others. We find that giving encouragement and showing our Father’s love to others is fulfilling and uplifting. I’m always thankful for God’s provision in meeting our needs and allowing me to make my son my priority.

God reminds us that we should be thankful for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18)! It’s a sure way of shining light in the darkness and causing the evil one to flee.

As believers, we are especially thankful for being rooted and grounded in His love and that His love is transformational. Knowing how much He loves us helps us to grow into the person he intends for us to become. He has taken me by my right hand, pulled me up out of my sin and shame, and lifted me up to sit with Him for all eternity. The love that He displayed in rescuing, mending, and restoring me moves me to want to share my good fortune with others!

If you need encouragement and more to be thankful for, I am available to talk with you.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season?