‘Tis the season to give thanks, with Thanksgiving already past and Christmas quickly approaching the Holidays bring about an array of emotions. Even though the movies and the commercials always paint these times as happy and joyous ones, let’s face it, this is not always a jolly time of the year. Many people do not find the holidays to be pleasant. Particularly for women, we are stressed with being mothers, wives, or trying to meet the fiscal year end deadlines at the office. Santa himself couldn’t keep up with all of the ends and outs that we face during this celebrated time of the year. Be it shopping, traveling, entertaining, or family drama; let’s remember this time of year can be a trying time for others.
1stThessalonians 5-18 says to give thanks in everything that we do. This can be challenging at times. As a Christian counselor I have found that more women than not are depressed, disillusioned, and down right drained by the Holidays. Many are sadden by the loss of a loved during this time, simply overwhelmed or dealing with just being alone for the holidays, with these feelings how can one be in the spirit of thanksgiving. So if you find that you are that person, one dreading the holidays, I encourage you to forget the things that burden you and turn your attention to the things that you love the most. Being that we as women usually take care of everyone but ourselves, make it a point to do some of the things that really are important to you as you play Santa to everyone else.
Believe it or not you can turn every place in your life into a place of thanksgiving. It is just a matter of changing your mindset. I recently received an e-mail that proves just that. I thought that I would include it in hopes that you see my point or at least give you a chuckle. It said I am thankful for: The husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home and not out at the bars, I am thankful for the Taxes I pay because it means I am employed, for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. For the clothes that fit too snug because it means I have enough to eat, for the lawn that needs mowing, for gutters that need fixing, and the windows that needs cleaning because it means that I have a home. For all the complaining that I hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech, for the parking space way at the back of the lot because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation. For the High electric bill because it means that I am warm, for the lady singing off key behind me in church because it means that I can hear. For the pile of dirty laundry because it means I have clothes and last but not least the annoying alarm that goes off to wake me because it means I am still alive.
Your Thanksgiving should not be contingent on your circumstance. There will always be things in our circumstance that we can’t control. We can be thankful to God in all present situations. Think about the people in your life that you can praise and really thank God for. Think of that very thing that God turned around that you can’t help but to still be grateful for every time you think about it. One thing that we should all truly be thankful for is our salvation. Start celebrating your Holidays in a way that you know you will enjoy. Create your own traditions; volunteer; do something that helps you see the blessings in the day and in your life. So, I hope you enjoy this holiday season with praises and thanksgiving and remember in ALL things give thanks. Take care and be blessed.
Yours Truly,
Conte Terrell, MACC
