Choosing Gratitude When Life Hurts


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This is the time of year that we all focus on Thanksgiving and how much we have to be thankful for. But sometimes it is a bit more of a struggle.

Choosing Gratitude When Life Hurts

Life happens.

This year our family is facing a tough holiday season as my father-in-law recently found out he has a very aggressive cancer. Surgery is scheduled the first part of December and there is no guarantee that the cancer will be taken care of.

Because we will want to be available to help in any way we can, our plans have had to change a little to prepare. It seems like this year the holidays crept up on me and I was already behind. Now we are scrambling to get ready for Christmas — the shopping, gift making, etc. — before December. Not the way I had planned to spend my week leading up to Thanksgiving.

I had plans, but God had other plans.

Can we find hope and thanksgiving even in the midst of these trials?

I know we can as we look to the One who is our all in all. Since Jesus is here, since He is with us, we have MUCH to be thankful for!

I am thankful for family and the special gift God has given to me through each of them.

I am thankful for Jesus and the hope we have that no matter what we face here on earth, we have a better home waiting for us!

I am thankful for being able to be home with my kids. Having them working right alongside of me as we prepare for Christmas.

I am thankful that my in-laws are close to us so that we can be there for them during this difficult time.

I am thankful that good memories are being made each and every day.

So..life happens..and life hurts sometimes. But we have SO much to be thankful for.

How about you? Are you facing some difficult times this holiday season?

If so, can you find things to be thankful for in the middle of it all? Please share in the comments!


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4 Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing with us Sheri, I pray that God will give you and your family the they need during time. I think during this time, it us wonderful to see you sharing your Thankfulness. God works in our hearts everyday and gives us the strength we need, I believe in my heart, no matter how difficult life becomes, and we all have different struggles in our lives, that He will never gives us more than we can handle. I prayed about this earlier this year, as I struggled with a few issues, and I felt his hand on my heart, giving me the peace that I needed. How fortunate are we to know such a loving and caring God, who holds his hand out to us in our time of need, and walks beside every day. I Hope and Pray that you and your Family have a Blessed Thanksgiving.
    Reply
    1. Thank you Sylvia! Thank you for your prayers and I do feel God's peace in my heart even though things are really uncertain right now. We are so very blessed to have such a loving God who cares about our every need. Praying you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving too!
      Reply
  2. Sheri, I am so sorry to learn your father-in-law is so ill. I am already praying for all of you. I am also asking Him to bless you and your family in extra special ways this Christmas. Each situation is different, so there is no way I can say that "I know what you are feeling or going through," but I can maybe relate somewhat. A few years ago our Mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with almost stage 4 colon cancer. It knocked me, my three sisters, and our Dad to our knees. With the four of us having families of our own, the ripple effect of panic quickly spread, as I'm sure you can understand. Mom went through a difficult surgery, recovery and then chemo. God could have chosen to heal her by taking her Home but we are so relieved and blessed to have her with us still, healthy and cancer-free. Believe me, we don't take it for granted! Being Christian may not spare us from difficult or scary times but we definitely learned, from our experience, that life may be hard, but the best is yet to come! Praying for you, Rene'
    Reply
    1. Thank you Rene' for praying and sharing about your own family. I know God is in control and you are totally right..the best is yet to come! Have a great week!
      Reply

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