Thanksgiving is over and you might have overstuffed yourself with turkey and family time, or you might have spent the time alone this year. Though we’re nearly two years through the pandemic, there are still plenty of people afraid to gather, many afraid to celebrate at all. Too many of us experienced losses over the last two years that are barely manageable.
Through everything of the last two years–politics, COVID-19, killings, and riots–we’ve also experienced the normal stuff of life like ordinary colds and allergies, bad doctor’s tests, addiction, school work, and kids entering new seasons.
Some of our experiences don’t prompt us to be thankful–and looking for good in them can only hurt.
In fact, recently I saw a post on social media that said “gratitude is not the tylenol of life.” Wow.
I read it again and again recalling time after time that some well-meaning person has told me to be grateful, and I usually can. But what of the person who can’t?
So this prayer is for you: the person who can’t find something good today and the person who can most days, but struggles sometimes. It’s for the person who knows there are things to be thankful for, but the mind is too clouded to find them. It’s for me and for you, and I hope you’ll return here when necessary, to be a little less alone on a lonely day.
Father in heaven,
I’m thankful for me. I didn’t ask to be and I can’t say for sure if my parents did, but here I am. Every breath I take is a miracle–I know that. My very existence is a testimony of who You are: Creator. Thank You for making so many beautiful things: for the leaves that die so beautifully and return again in spring; for animals that prowl and those that snuggle; for giggles and smiles and dancing; for music. Thank You for an ounce of peace I’ll have today amid the hustle and bustle. Help me to see it, tucked into the day among ordinary life. Lord, even my conscience brings me closer to You, so thank You for it. I praise You, Lord, because You are holy but also because You’re my friend. Thank You for being the Forgiver, the Healer, the Redeemer, the King of glory–for making Yourself known. Let me go into the coming months with the confidence of knowing who You are. I love You.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:1-5
