"What are you thankful for?"
Yep, this is the infamous question you will probably get asked at least 100 times in the next couple of weeks. Okay, well, maybe not quite that often, but I bet you will ponder it sometime between now and preparing the holiday dinner.
The blissful season to be thankful and filled with joy has arrived. While we should be thankful all year long, this is when we are more intentional about noticing, as it invites us to reflect. It’s as if the changing of the leaves and the crisper, cooler weather begs us to change a little ourselves, too. So, we soften our hearts while shifting our gaze to the beauty tucked within the many promises God has given us. These blessings personally touch our lives and prove His love for us time and time again throughout the year.
Yet, as I reflect on this year, I pause. I am indeed thankful, but in all honesty, it has been one of the darkest years of my life. I’m left holding a heavy heart. A heart that longs to give thanks and praise but does so in a zombie-like fashion, placing one foot in front of the other most days.
Are you there too? Maybe you are in the pits of despair or in a place that has your thankful-heart meter running on low. Maybe you hold many blessings in your hands and are sincerely thankful for each of them, but the emptiness in your heart constantly reminds you what’s changed or what’s missing, resurfacing the pain.
Psalm 40:1-3 says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him."
Friend, I’m sorry you are holding a heavy heart this season. I wish there were words to comfort you and tell you everything will be okay. But, my words will only fall short. However, God has a loving message for you.
Throughout the book of Psalms, David and the contributing authors share their raw and real emotions. You can feel the passion behind their words as they cry out to God in anguish. Then you see how God meets them. God’s message brings comfort, peace, and healing. Did you see that in the verse above?
So, when you get asked, “What are you thankful for?” and it strikes a chord right to your wounded heart, know this—God is with you in your pain. He knows the heavy heart you carry and is walking right beside you (Psalm 34:18).
If I could, I would take your hand, look you in the eye, and tell you this: God knows it can be difficult to be thankful when one of our greatest blessings is gone. He’s not saying you should ignore the pain. He’s not even surprised by your response. All God is calling you to do is trust Him. Trust that His plan may not make sense, and it may not feel good right now, but He is still good.
When we begin to walk with God through our pain, allowing the message of hope found throughout His Word to resonate within us, the heavy heart we carry does get a little lighter. In time, as wounds mend, we begin to see Him in every detail of our lives. That’s because God always brings joy and peace when we are surrounded by sorrow.
Sweet friend, will you seek our loving God with me? Will you search for Him in the little details of your life? Here is a list of 100 “little things” to get you started. It’s a springboard to find ways to be thankful this holiday season... even when you’re left holding a heart that is so heavy. Let Him meet you. Let Him remind you in the smallest of blessings, He is with you. He is waiting to show you how much He adores you.
In this sorrowful season, God will meet you in “the little things,” like:
Memories
Laughter
Silence
Books
Coffee Shops
Hugs
Kisses
A sweet text
Pumpkins
Pumpkin Spice
Leggings
Warm Sweaters
Small/Local Businesses
Sleeping in
Cute boots
Twinkling lights
Holiday music
Shopping online
Holiday décor
A rocking chair
Warm smiles
Fire pits
Lazy days
Long walks
Smore’s
Storytelling
Sweatpants
A porch swing
Fall foliage
Free shipping
Bake sales
Candles
A new day
Blankets
Bookstores
Pretty flowers
Understanding
A listening ear
Precious photos
Haircuts
Bubble Baths
Cocoa
Clean sheets
Cozy socks
Warm blankets
Christmas movies
Kindness
Acceptance
Hot showers
Food
Sunrises
Sunsets
Cup of tea
Snow
Favorite snack
Pretty views
Foot massages
Bath bombs
Forgiveness
Sense of accomplishment
Honesty
Spellcheck
Counseling
The stars
Smells of the season
Christmas trees
Popcorn balls
Candied apples
Exercise
Money in the dryer
Dreams
Football
Comedy acts
Watching children play
A good cry
Hayrides
Festivals
Live music
Freedom
Picnic dates
Playing a board game
Saying, “I love you!”
Holding hands
Teachers
Time
Nail polish
A clean house
Puppy kisses
Folded laundry
Rainbows
Relaxing
Freshwater
Mountains
A sweet note
Unexpected gifts
Patience
Hiking trails
Airconditioning
Compliments
Peace
Well, there you have it, my friend. 100 little things to be thankful for as you head into this holiday season, even with a heavy heart. I am pretty sure you can add to this and find 100 more little things to be thankful for. Stop, and take notice as you go about your day. In finding God in every minute detail of your life, you may find that it motivates you to seek and feel His presence more, granting you unsurmountable and unexplainable peace and comfort.
My Prayer for You
Lord,
You are the God of love, and we are so thankful that even in our darkest moments, you never leave or forsake us. Replace the feelings we carry that bring us to a place of deep despair and fill us with little blessings that remind us that You are a good Father, worthy of all our praise. As we go through this season, grant us a sense of peace and bring forth healing and restoration in Your time. Lord, we love You, and we thank You for all the beauty and rich blessings You grant us each and every day. May we see You in all the small details in our lives.
It is in Your Precious and Holy Name I pray.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Anjelika Gretskaia
Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.