Happy Thanksgiving is a traditional American greeting for this time of year.  Yet for many, it is very difficult to utter the words, and even more difficult to respond to them when greeted with those two words.  It isn’t because we aren’t thankful.  It is because the pain we may be going through is so great that acknowledging anything as happy may be to much.  It doesn’t matter what the pain is from… losing a loved one to illness or an accident, a broken relationship, loneliness, incarceration, the fear of what a bad doctors report will mean, etc.  Pain is pain.  To judge which is more painful is not possible.  Everyone reacts differently.

So what do we do to cope when it seems like everything is falling apart in our world and everyone else seems to have it together and their cheerfulness is actually making us even more despondent?  Remember that it isn’t a law you have to attend every function that will happen between Thanksgiving and the New Year.  You may have to take some times to pull back and regroup.   Don’t spend too much time completely alone if you can help it.  You don’t want to give in to depression.  Some time is ok, but don’t hide.  Putting on good music is always a good thing.  I prefer praise and worship music.  I find it takes the focus off of me and on to the Lord and before long, I am ready to go again.  Count your blessings.  Even in tough times, there are always things to be thankful for.  When we take time to look at the positive things in our lives, it makes everything a little easier.

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and pray you feel the love, peace and joy of the Lord through out the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  God bless you…

love, mary