There are not too many things in life today that are certain. Some people are driving cars that could be repossessed by the end of the day, or living in houses that could be foreclosed on by the end of the month, because they have been working a job that could close its doors by the end of the year. God has a way of showing that we MUST lean and depend on Him alone! In this world of uncertainty, two facts remain true. God is an awesome God! And, we must all depart from this earth one day. Heaven is my goal!
The holiday season always brings a sense of joy/sadness to families that have experienced the loss of a loved one. I turned on the news this evening, and two teenagers had been killed in a traffic accident today. Even though I don't know the families, I will be in sincere prayer for them. Anyone who knows my husband's testimony of how God has helped him cope with the death of loved ones, or has experienced it for themselves, knows that holidays can be a difficult time, especially if the death is connected to a significant date or holiday. Family traditions seem different without that person around. Things can seem as if something is missing.
Around the holidays, we always reminisce upon the lives of those that have gone to reap their eternal reward with God. We celebrate their life and love. I would be lying if I said that there was not a sense of sadness when we realize that things may be a little different for us, but the wonderful character about God is that He will not allow that sadness to linger long enough to spoil our day! Ain't God Good!!!
I know that we will not be alone this Thanksgiving when we miss a loved one who is no longer with us. This Thanksgiving marks the birthday of my husband's brother who passed away a few years ago with his daughter in an accident. Many family members followed, leaving us dumbfounded at times and left to struggle through life without them here.
With the passing of my husband's mother and grandmother in the past two years, our Thanksgiving traditions have had to adjust. We have created some of our own traditions. We view it as another year to celebrate the family that we do have with us. Life is too short to spend the holiday season stressed out over minute details such as how many pies to prepare. Thanksgiving is going to come, whether you eat Turkey or Ham, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. Why not spend this Thanksgiving thanking God for the life of the person, or people in our case, that you are missing? Rejoice in confidence that you will see them again and that they are in a place of peace.
Even if you have not lost a loved one, focus on Christ and His goodness. Take this one day to allow your body to be stress free! Enjoy your family and friends. The day will come when we must depart from one another. Let's enjoy our loved ones while we are blessed with the chance to do so! And, even though the time seems so little, let's thank God for the eternal time we will have when we reunite!!!
I thank you for allowing me to pour out to you about this tonight. My intentions were not to sadden you. I feel more joy already by just releasing what God has given me to say. So many people are caught up in "stuff" that does not matter in the grand scheme of things. Thanksgiving is about giving praises to God for all of his goodness, enjoying family and friends, and making memories! Make some new memories this year. Have fun! Do something unexpected and out of the box! But most of all, enjoy each and every loved one that will surround you on this super special day! I pray that you are blessed with a joyful spirit and bountiful blessings this Thanksgiving Day!
Lord, thank You for another opportunity to give praises to Your name. Lord, I want to let you know how much we miss those that you have already called home. Help us to have joy in their absence and celebrate the time that we had with them. We want to enjoy our loved ones that will surround us on this special day. We thank You that You never leave us! Help us to take the time this holiday season to focus on what is important in our spiritual well being and not the physical one. Help us to focus on giving You praise and thanksgiving. Release any stress that may enter into our bodies, so that we can fellowship with our family and friends. We thank You that new memories will be made, as we have another opportunity to come together. We love you Lord, and we thank You today!!!
Amen.
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