The holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) are hard for me. Truth be told, as hard as I’ve tried this year, I’ve felt the impending dread building for weeks. The weight of carrying this dread, that I can’t fully explain, try as I might is so very heavy at times it threatens to take me out. The thing is I know I am not alone in feeling, for lack of a better term “holiday dread”. There are others I know that also dread the season and reasons are far and reaching. Today, I want you to know you are not alone! And instead of focusing on the dread, I want to focus on reasons we all have to be thankful. 

This morning as I was sipping my coffee and talking with Jesus I began to ponder how to answer the question most of us will likely be asked “what are you most thankful for this year?”. I dislike this question almost as much as I dislike pumpkin spice. But God!! When I asked Him to open my eyes and show me reasons to be thankful, He answered with Himself. What follows is the prayer that came from my simple request for my eyes and heart to be open. I share because these are not my words, but words the Holy Spirit provided when I had none, and I know they are not meant to be hoarded but shared with others who may be struggling this season as well. 

Journal entry 11/26/25

The truth is Jesus, I have much to be thankful for. I was born and raised in a free country, taught about who You are from a young age. I have been afforded and blessed with countless opportunities to learn and grow in You. I carry Your word in my pocket every single day. So, it’s not only hidden in my heart but at my finger tips when needed. I am surrounded by people who love me. Other believers who willingly walk with me through the good, bad, hard and ugly. I get to see You work and move in amazing ways. I get to walk with You, learn from You and even confess – all knowing-You will never, ever let me go! Because Your love is deep and strong and unending! You are faithful beyond reason or measure. Your provision is always right on time. 

The God of all knows me, knows my name, longs to be with me, longs to teach me and see me grow. He wants to help and lead me, wants to hold my hand, showing me the way. There is so very much I have to be thankful for in You, Jesus!  Most of which I take for granted every single day. You Father are perfection and You have made Yourself known to us, to me. It’s kind of mind blowing when you think about it! You didn’t have to, but You did! It’s because of You and Your great gift that I sit here today, trying to string words together that make some sense. 

Sure, my life and years have been full of hard, ugly, unfair, unjust, hurt, pain and tragedy – but never once have You left me, forgot about me or turned away. Instead You’ve chased after me, held me tighter and gently nudged me to turn back home, to You. You’ve reached down into the pit, pulling me out and setting my feet back on Your path. You’ve let me choose wrong a whole bunch. But You’ve always been right here waiting for me to come back home. I’m sure You’ve been angry, disappointed and frustrated with me – how could You not be, I’m a lot even for myself! But Jesus, never once have You considered giving up on me. You’ve always welcomed me back with open arms and a warm smile. You’ve always forgiven, always healed, always answered. 

So thank You Father, thank You Jesus, thank You Holy Spirit for me countless reasons to be thankful this holiday season. You truly are the most amazing and awesome blessing ever!  Thank You for loving me first, calling me daughter and friend. Inviting me to walk with You, go for You and holding my hand every single step of the way. I don’t know the name, but the song comes to mind “so I throw up my hands singing hallelujah, hallelujah. I know it’s not much, but it’s all that I’ve got.” 

My life is Yours Jesus, completely and totally surrendered to You! Thank You, I love you and it’s Jesus’ Holy name I pray. Amen. 

I hope and pray this blesses your heart today and that you too will ask Jesus to show you reasons to be thankful this season. He is right there, wherever you are today waiting and wanting to share with you as well!  Philippians 2:5 “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus -“