Living In Thanksgiving


In a cabin on the edge of the Smoky Mountains, she sits together at a table with her parents and children. In her eyes are strength and beauty, but behind them there is brokenness and despair.

Her one true love left the earth too soon and the thought of going through the holidays without him is almost too much. In the quiet of her mind, she has relived the entire last Thanksgiving – the meal, the conversations, the games played and even the private laughs they shared when no one else was around.

She isn’t alone. There are many today who will take this day one breath at a time. Those who have lost lovers, parents, children and best friends.

What is the secret of surviving this day?

Thanksgiving.

In order to live through Thanksgiving, you must live IN Thanksgiving.

In everything give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB

Find something for which you can give thanks.

When the laundry piles high, give thanks for the ones who wore each piece. When you aren’t sure how you are going to pay the next bill, give thanks for the roof over your head. When you have to head back to the grocery store because you forgot to buy milk, give thanks for the car that will take you there.

When your heart is lost over the one you’ve lost, give thanks for the ones who remain.

Lord, I thank you for to privilege of coming to you in prayer. Thank you for listening when I call. God, I ask that you comfort those who are struggling today. Pick up their broken pieces and make them whole again. Amen.

I want to hear from you! Share in the comments three things for which you are thankful. And if you or a friend need prayer this holiday season, let me know that, too. I’d be honored to pray.

**Photo taken by Valerie Smith.

4 Responses to Living In Thanksgiving
  1. Anuschka de la Court
    November 22, 2012 | 11:41 am

    1) I am out of work, but I am Thankful to have more time to spend with my children and husband.
    2) There is major smoke damage in my kitchen due to a fire, but I am Thankful that I have a roof over my head and food in my fridge and everything still works in the kitchen.
    3) I have these weak moments and find my self depressed throwing a personal pity party, but I am Thankful and blessed to have Jesus to go to, to give me strength in those low moments of my life.

    Thank-you for sharing your story Carol!

    • Carol
      November 24, 2012 | 10:21 am

      Thanks Anuschka for sharing. I pray God will continue to sustain you as you are out of work. What great faith you have to remember to call on Him in your moments of weakness. Be strengthened and don’t forget that He who began a good work in you will perfect it! 🙂 Blessings!

  2. Sharon O
    November 22, 2012 | 1:58 pm

    I am thankful for my husband of 39 years, my wonderful son and his awesome wife, my daughter and her husband and most of all our beautiful six miracles ~ our grand children.
    (and texting so I can tell my 13 year old grand daughter I love her and miss her and am praying always for her)

    • Carol
      November 24, 2012 | 10:23 am

      Wow Sharon! 39 is a blessing! Sounds like you have a wonderful family. I hope you got to enjoy spending time with them for Thanksgiving. Thanks so much for sharing with us. 🙂 Blessings to you!