When Thanksgiving is Hard
Sometimes, both giving thanks and the Thanksgiving holiday are hard. As followers of Jesus, we are called to give thanks in all our circumstances (even if we can't be thankful for our circumstances).
The Thanksgiving holiday can be hard because, in our fallen world, things are not as they should be. What's more, when we experience any kind of disconnection in our relationships, our misery is compounded. Giving thanks is hard. Enduring a holiday (when everyone else seems perfectly happy) is hard.
You may have recently faced, or are facing:
Life may feel like the dark side of the moon, and being told to "be grateful" feels as if someone placed a boulder in your backpack.
So, How Can I Be Thankful?
It really helps to know Who's in charge, and that He has your best interest at heart, even if life doesn't feel good right now. Nothing stays the same forever. He is working in you, and He has a plan for your circumstances for good.
Know that God is okay with you right now, wherever you are on your journey. His love never fails, and brighter days are ahead!
Make A Plan
Meanwhile, it is possible to navigate this season with minimal additional heartache. Think ahead about how you might show kindness to yourself while being gracious to others. Here are some things you may consider:
It's Okay To Not Be Okay
This Thanksgiving may look different from every one you remember. It may be hard, even excruciating. You don't have to make it something it's not, and if it's a hard year, roll with it. You'll be okay, but most importantly for now, just be – whatever that means. Your God sees you, loves you, and has a plan for you. You're doing the best you can, and with His help, good will come even out of this!
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©2022 Julianne Knapp. First Published 11.22.22
The Thanksgiving holiday can be hard because, in our fallen world, things are not as they should be. What's more, when we experience any kind of disconnection in our relationships, our misery is compounded. Giving thanks is hard. Enduring a holiday (when everyone else seems perfectly happy) is hard.
You may have recently faced, or are facing:
- major life change
- depression
- grief
- loss
- loneliness
- abuse
- enemy oppression
- disconnected relationships
- financial pressure
- relocation
Life may feel like the dark side of the moon, and being told to "be grateful" feels as if someone placed a boulder in your backpack.
So, How Can I Be Thankful?
It really helps to know Who's in charge, and that He has your best interest at heart, even if life doesn't feel good right now. Nothing stays the same forever. He is working in you, and He has a plan for your circumstances for good.
Know that God is okay with you right now, wherever you are on your journey. His love never fails, and brighter days are ahead!
Make A Plan
Meanwhile, it is possible to navigate this season with minimal additional heartache. Think ahead about how you might show kindness to yourself while being gracious to others. Here are some things you may consider:
- Decide which events you have the emotional capacity to attend, and plan a way to leave if you start feeling overwhelmed
- For invitations to events, tell the host that you will come if able, but may need to leave early
- Plan "decompress" time with a trusted, safe person to talk out your experiences
- Mark your calendar to do something you particularly enjoy that is healthy or uplifting, and if possible, with someone who is healthy and uplifting
- Take responsibility for yourself and your emotions rather than falling victim to others' choices, or reacting in a way that causes more hurt
- Use this time as an opportunity to seek God. He promises to draw near to those who draw near to Him.
- Be okay with things being different than they used to be: make new traditions
- Look for good things around you that are joyful or praiseworthy
- Find a way to help someone else, even if it is a small thing like an encouraging text
It's Okay To Not Be Okay
This Thanksgiving may look different from every one you remember. It may be hard, even excruciating. You don't have to make it something it's not, and if it's a hard year, roll with it. You'll be okay, but most importantly for now, just be – whatever that means. Your God sees you, loves you, and has a plan for you. You're doing the best you can, and with His help, good will come even out of this!
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
©2022 Julianne Knapp. First Published 11.22.22