A Thanksgiving for the broken.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, a day of feasting, family, and football. What could be better? Over the years it hasn’t been hard to feel thankful as the day approaches. This year has been different, this year has broken me. I don’t feel thankful. I don’t even want to try.

I was sitting in church when the pastor started his message on thanksgiving, he said thanksgiving is just that. It’s about stopping and GIVING thanks. It’s not thanks”feeling.” I felt convicted and rightfully so.. The Lord has been allowing difficultly to come, things to be taken away. We’ve had to wait longer for things than we thought, cancel trips, deal with sickness. And worst of all, I no longer have my dad.. my friend.. my rock and the one when trials came I could lean on his biblical grounding and encouragement.

But we are not called to give thanks just when life is all together – when we feel like it… we are called to give thanks to our Father in all things. Tonight my family and I visited a church where an African Children’s Choir performed. These kids come from the most broken parts of Africa, orphaned, abandoned and yet they’re up there praising God. My troubles and grief seemed to pale in comparison and these sweet kids taught me what I need to do. Lift my hands, and praise through the pain. Dance when my heart is breaking.

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

I don’t have many words of encouragement, or a profound message to share. I just want you to know if you’re hurting like I am. Stay pro-active, keep dancing, keeping praising. Even if it’s the last thing you want to do. This is a song that is ministering to me tonight.