Thankful in the Tough Times

I have to be honest, I'm REALLY looking forward to this holiday season. I have a new relationship, I'm going to get to see my niece, sister, and brother-in-law in Kentucky, and I'm seeing the dream of being credentialed finally come to pass. There are so many blessings in my life right now that I barely know how to contain my excitement. But as I look back over other holiday seasons of the past, there have been very different feelings as I've approached this time of the year. Even as I sit here blessed, I can remember and feel the emotions from years past when my life didn't seem as wonderful. It was in those years that I dreaded the holiday season because it would remind me of how UNHAPPY I was.

I think it is important for all of us to remember those during the holiday season who struggle with depression. As we are shopping, wrapping our gifts, and getting together with family and friends, we need to include those around us who are going through difficult times--and MANY people are this season. In my own family, my cousin Conor is battling a life-threatening form of pneumonia, reducing him to an ICU hospital bed while his family takes turns staying with him. Their Thanksgiving will not be like mine, with turkey and all of the trimmings. They will just be thankful that Conor is still fighting and that God is still working to heal him.

As we gather around our tables tomorrow, let us remember all of those around us who are in a state of struggle. Maybe those thoughts will even make us more thankful for what we have and help us to pull out of whatever low feelings we might be having this holiday season.

I pray blessings upon each of you reading this! May your Thanksgiving Day remind you of how special and blessed you are!