A few years ago I read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. When Ann was going through a rough time feeling depressed, a friend challenged her to see if she could make a list of 1,000 things she was thankful for. This started her on a journey that ended up changing her life. After I read her book, I started my own gratitude journey. Every day I recorded something I was thankful for in a special journal. That was in 2009 and today I have over 4,000. This has had a huge impact on my life. It could for you, too.
I hope there's something on my list that will help you survive the holidays a little bit better than you might have otherwise.
God Who Cares, please lighten the burden of loss many parents are experiencing this holiday season. The pressure on their chests feels heavier. Tears come without warning. Their hurt is deep. Memories are bittersweet. Comfort and hold them close. Ease their pain. Please help them lower their expectations, consider how they might do things differently, avoid social media if that will help, focus on others in need and be grateful. Remind them they still have much to be thankful for. I thank you for how you care for each one of them and their struggling children.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 19:11
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