A Thankful Heart

Can you believe it's that time of year again.  Time for Christmas trees and twinkling lights. Time for our favorite holiday coffee and warm fires.  Time for gatherings surrounded by our family and friends.  Time for Santa and family photos.  The holidays sure do have a way of sneaking up on us, don't they?  This time of year marks an end to things past and the thrill of anticipation for what the new year ahead may bring.

But what is weighing on my heart tonight are the ones who dread this time of year.  Those who are depressed and hurting because of the holiday season.  For some, this time of year brings on so much pain and sorrow.  This time of year has a way of reminding us of things we want to forget.  Of things we do not have.  Of things we had hoped for.  Of people that we lost.  Of dreams that did not come true.

So how do you have a thankful heart while dealing with such turmoil?  Having a thankful heart seems easy enough right?  But what about during a rough time in your life?  That's  a little difficult to say the least.  You know how it is, you dread the day that's coming and it's approaching fast. All you can think about is how bad things are for you right now or how life isn't exactly going your way.  You try to keep yourself busy so hopefully the day will pass without you even noticing.  You are so wrapped up in your feelings that you can't enjoy your today.  You can't enjoy the moments, your blessings, your family, your friends.  You can't enjoy your life.

But every single day you have a choice.  You have a choice to get out of bed thanking God for another day.  A day that you won't allow to waste away on a mood or a painful memory or situation.  A day that you won't allow to waste because of your feelings.  Every single day you have a choice to choose to be thankful.  It is a choice to choose happiness.  You have that choice every single day. 

You're probably thinking 'if she only knew what I was going through' or 'she doesn't understand how hard it is for me'.  You're right, I don't know your situation.  But what I do know is I serve a mighty God.  A God who has already walked the path before you.  He not only has already walked the path, but He has overcome the world.  I serve a God who said in this life we will have many troubles and sorrows.  But in the midst of those trials, to take heart because we can find peace and comfort in Him.  (John 16:33)  He is willing to trade your pain for His peace.  I serve a God who chooses to love us even when we do not deserve an ounce of it.  I serve a God who will carry you through the storms of life and one who will never leave your side.  So, if you wake up feeling all alone during the holidays; just remember, you're not.     

Some days are going to be harder than others, believe me, I get that; but you have to press on.  You just have too.  Don't allow moments to pass by without stopping yourself to make new memories.  Don't allow moments to pass by without enjoying your now.  Press through the pain and choose differently than what your feelings are screaming to you.  Choose happiness.  Choose to find peace in Him.  Starting today, choose to have a thankful heart in the midst of your pain.  I challenge you to do this and see what happens.  Do you struggle during the Holidays?  Do you dread this time of year?  If so, choose differently starting today.

Psalm 42:11
Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

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