My Journey’s My Own

A Devotional

This time of year brings out the reasons for us all to be grateful. Thanksgiving being right around the corner makes us all reflect a little on the past year and what our blessings may be. When life is happening at a pace that makes it harder and harder to stop and do this. It’s always about getting things done, being here or there at a certain time, making sure this child or that child has what they need and forget about what you need. Life is constantly happening. 

So for today, just take a few minutes…sit back wherever you are and be thankful. Make a mental or physical list of things you are so grateful for. Try to dig deep, of course we are all thankful for our families and jobs. Having a home and food because we know there are people out there that don’t have those things. But what are some really specific things you’re thankful for this year in particular?

I’ve heard the past few years described in so many ways; pandemic, shit show, chaotic, end of times, plague, apocalypse, but my favorite is dumpster fire. With all that’s happened since Covid hit, all of those apply but that one is my favorite. So of course health is a gift these days and something to be grateful for, assuming that you’ve come out of Covid unscathed. We suffered through an ICU stay with my husband in 2021, but he came home, then lost our son to something completely different this year, so dumpster fire seems inadequate but still applies. 

So when it comes to being grateful, I do need to dig deep. Personally it’s hard to find some joy and thankfulness in what’s around me because I have suffered the worst loss. That of a child. And I know others have too. But I’m willing to dig deep, because it matters. Being grateful is important. My son would never want me to stay sad or be ungrateful for the gifts I’ve been given or the joy I can still experience, because he is still with me and he is happy and whole and pain free! He is my angel now. So ladies I know you can dig deep, find those reasons. If I can, so can you!

I am grateful for the friends that have been there through this hell. The ones I’ve cried with, that have done amazing things for us, that have prayed until their knees and heads ached, the ones who cooked and cleaned and cried for us. I’m grateful for the love of a Savior that forgives me for screaming out to Him in rage when my boy left this world for His. I’m thankful for the gifts of beautiful sunsets that remind me that there’s still beauty in the world. I’m thankful for you, for reading this and going on this devotional journey with me. For giving me your feedback and inspiring me to keep writing. Thank you. 

God reminds us time and time again through his words, actions, answers to prayer and acts of kindness to be thankful and grateful. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, whatever that looks like. 

Actions/Questions

Make a list, either mental or physical of what you are grateful for. Dig deep and be specific. 

Bless someone else with a random act of kindness today, and tell nobody!

Hug someone a little longer today, you won’t regret it.

Verses

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” PSALM 118:24 (ESV)