or have gone through- a divorce when it's a holiday week.
There a couple of ways that you can look at this, though. Like so
many things, it's all about perspective.
Holiday's can be especially difficult - the "normal" isn't "normal"
anymore. Traditions that may have stood for years no longer stand.
Kids have to be shuttled between parents. Or maybe you always went to
the in-laws house, and now you are on the outs, so there goes that
option.
It's a reality!
One of the most positive things you can do is start a new tradition.
For Chris and I, we have to split Thanksgiving with his ex. She has
never been one to cook, so it is important to me that there is a
traditional meal and fellowship for the children. For many years,
this has occurred on Friday - because most years, I am working on
Thursday. We didn't want to miss out on the food and fellowship, so
we just bumped it a day.
This year, I am actually off on Thanksgiving, and the children will
eat with us, and then in the afternoon go over to their mother's
house.
If you have children, try your best to make the best of what you have
for them. We have purposed to be the stable force - we haven't moved,
we have kept their rooms the same. We want them to know that we are
here, no matter what. Since the divorce, their mother has moved
multiple times, and had several relationships, so our biggest
contribution is Spiritual leadership and stability. It cannot be
discounted. You may feel helpless in your situation - but if you can
give them those things, you will be doing invaluable good in their
lives.
No matter what, don't be alone this Thanksgiving - being solitary just
drives home the isolation and loneliness, and the enemy loves to do
that. If you have no where to go for Thanksgiving, no plans that you
can join, please drop us an email so we can assist you. We don't want
anyone home and sad on this day of Thanksgiving.
The irony for me is my family lives in Fort Walton Beach, and I won't
see any of them for the holiday. Every year I invite them over, and
most years my mother will come up with a reason not to join. Of
course I also am never invited over - but this is my expectation. I
have been in this dysfunction my whole life, so I decided I would make
my own traditions. I would make holidays a celebration of God and His
goodness and faithfulness. I am not going to tell you it doesn't hurt
- even as a grown adult, every year it stings. BUT GOD...turns the
day into a day of gratefulness. I have much to thank Him for.
I encourage you today to make a list of what you are thankful for, and
say aloud to the Lord that you are thankful for those things. Today,
despite the battle waging at my workplace toward me for over three
months now, I am glad to have a job and be drawing an income. I am
thankful that my parents still draw breath - which means they can
still come to a saving knowledge of Him. I am grateful for His many
blessings, which we in turn can bless others with. I am grateful for
health, a roof over my head, legs that work, a car that runs. A
washer and dryer. If you get thinking about it, it won't take you
long to realize you have much to be thankful for, indeed. Nothing
will lift your spirits and take your mind off that which may make you
blue like praising God for His mercy, love, and grace.
Here are some verses for today:
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with
thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout
joyfully to Him with psalms.
Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with
praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through
the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Him
We are Thankful for you - keep a thankful heart. Go for a walk,
weather permitting, for at least 30 minutes - it will be worth it!
(this week's picture is from our front yard - a camellia. Such a
simple, pure, and beautiful demonstration of the Lord's beauty and
creativity!)
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