Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. The word Thanksgiving brings smiles to many, sadness to others. It’s a word associated with a holiday with images of Norman Rockwell paintings of family sharing food and laughter around a bountiful table. But the images aren’t real for most. Families are scattered by distance, painful memories, sin, death, and heartache. And holidays only make many hearts depressed and lonely.

Please know, never forget, that Thanksgiving is a word that means so much more. Thanksgiving is a word that brings joy in spite of the realities of pain and loneliness. Thanksgiving is a thankful heart for the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Savior who comes to live in hearts that have felt distanced, have painful memories, deal with sin, have had the death of dreams and loved ones, and felt the pain of heartache. Jesus comes inside hearts and lives, and restores, and redeems, and never leaves, and always loves.

Thanksgiving replaces emotions with reality, the reality of a life that is eternal, that rises the soul above the painfulness and frailty of life.

If your life is good, be thankful! 

If your life is hard and miserable, thank God He will help you through and never leave you. There is always something for which to be thankful.

Please know, never forget, even during times of loneliness our tender God is there to hold you close, sit quietly with you, and love you through the sadness of any day. You are never alone, never alone.

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday, thanksgiving is a lifestyle. And the more we style our life on thankfulness, the more our eyes are open to see God’s blessings, provision, faithfulness, and love.

Be thankful, for you are eternally and unfailingly loved!

“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” ~ Exodus 15:13

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” ~ Psalm 107:8

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” ~ Psalm 13:5

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” ~ Psalm 36:7

From The Unnamed Devotional, by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3XmGGPt

Photo by Lisa Buffaloe

lisabuffaloe.com