Thankfulness for the Yesterdays and the Blessings of Today.

It's Thanksgiving! Time to gather together and express our gratitude for the many blessings that adorn our lives - the good things to be thankful for...

However, amidst this reflection on joy and abundance, let us also consider the moments that, at the time, were less than. These wondrous life experiences, though painful, shape us in unexpected ways that always lead to a deeper appreciation for all that we cherish today. Throughout our lives, both the good and the not-so-good, we will encounter pivotal moments that shape us, enabling us to grow stronger and more resilient. These experiences, often challenging, mold us into the individuals we are today so that we can better serve our God and uplift those around us. 

After all, that is really what it is all about.  

Amen? 

I vividly recall one Thanksgiving that became a turning point in my life. I had just returned from the hospital with my newborn son, while my first husband lay sprawled on the living room rug in a drunken stupor. This stark contrast to the holiday's warmth was tough, but thankfully, I had the foresight to stock up on two Swanson's frozen turkey dinners. 😏

I felt weighed down by a mix of emotions as I navigated those two days.  With my three-year-old, Michael, I grappled with the harsh reality of the situation. 

This is my life - I chose this man. 

It wasn’t merely that my husband was unresponsive; it was the crushing sense of disappointment that hung over what should have been a day of thankfulness. Self-pity crept in like a shadow, and I battled against it, reflecting on the echoes of the past, the harrowing memories of his alcoholism, and the toll it had taken on me. 

After that Thanksgiving, four more years passed and another baby boy was born into our family - in that haze of alcoholism - helplessness and heartache that became a heavy anchor.  Thank God for Alanon! It was a completed cycle in which my self-pity slowly transformed into resolute self-care. At this point, I had successfully established my business, giving me complete  independence from him.  Meanwhile, he had become a frequent absent figure in our home, often disappearing for long stretches.  One day, when I knew he was coming home, I took a deep breath and finally mustered the courage to pack his bags, meticulously placing his stuff on the front porch. When he came home and found them there, he fell into the familiar alcoholic pattern of desperation, pleading with me, promising he would quit drinking for good, but his words, like so many times before, fell flat and carried little weight in the face of reality. 

God had intervened. 

As I reflect on it all,  I find myself filled with profound gratitude for the way God reached out to me. I cherish the fact that my sons look up to me as their "hero," a reflection of the courageous stand I took during challenging times. Even though we know who the real Hero is. 

I am so thankful for the remarkable man God brought into my life about 12 years later, allowing me to experience a marriage that embodies the beauty and blessings of a divine partnership. It’s a stark contrast to the desperate times I once faced, moments when I felt isolated and burdened by shame, hesitant to share my struggles with others.

I’m sharing this not to elicit your sympathy, because amidst those trials, I was always able to find those glimmers of joy, especially in the laughter and innocence of my little boys. I recognize this path as a part of my story, where the guiding hand of God carried my little family through the flames of adversity. I share because all the glory goes to Jesus!  

As I gaze at the Thanksgiving table spread before me, my heart swells with gratitude, not merely for the creamy mashed potatoes swimming in rich, savory gravy or the pumpkin pie but for my two wonderful sons, and Michael in Heaven  - my thoughts drift to the profound grace and favor that God bestowed upon all of us throughout those years.  

I see that Divine touch that fills me with thankfulness for the yesterdays and the blessings of today. 

Just as the disciples shared their experiences with Christ, we are invited to recount how God has woven His presence into our lives. It's okay to reflect on the painful moments that tested our faith and became catalysts for our victories, totally revealing the transformative power of divine grace in each of our journeys.

Debby

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https://al-anon.org/

Testimony Tuesday -

Once, I was a joyful little girl, surrounded by love and laughter, but my mother’s anxious nature cast a shadow over my young life. Whenever my dad was late, I’d find her in distress, tears streaming down her cheeks as she feared the worst. Though my dad worked hard to provide for us, her relentless worry overshadowed her stability, a constant reminder of her fear of losing everything. 

My mom grew up in poverty with an unstable, depressed mother and no father. Their lives were marked by frequent moves and evictions due to Grandma's unpredictability. Each paycheck felt like a small celebration, but joy quickly faded as Grandma spent it on little luxuries, leaving them with empty cupboards by the end of the week. For my mom, this cycle of fleeting happiness and deep disappointment shaped her understanding of scarcity and want.

My beloved dad dedicated himself to bringing joy to my mom, succeeding in many ways. Yet, beneath her smiles, shadows of childhood worries lingered. It’s not surprising that I inherited a tendency to worry and feel anxious about everything. I once found myself caught in the relentless grip of compulsive worry, where my mind danced frantically between endless scenarios and uncertainties. Each thought spiraled out of control, filling my days with an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety.

So, NOW, when I say I no longer worry or get upset, it may seem disingenuous. I’m a fellow struggler, too! It may even lead to some eye rolls, 👀, and I get it.  We've been led to believe that worrying is just part of who we are. We can't possibly stop. While everyone worries, to some degree, scripture encourages us to trust God and not to be anxious. 

Who honestly likes to worry and fret and be anxious over everything? 

The remedy is beautifully simple: 

Trust in and wholeheartedly obey God. He yearns for our love and unwavering devotion—not just on Sundays, but every day of the week and in every moment we breathe. God desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us. He longs to know us intimately, so that in our hearts, we become so attuned to His presence that when we are faced with challenges or temptations that do not align with His will, we instinctively recognize them as unpleasing to Him. No more compromising. 

I was hopeless, and I knew I couldn't do this on my own. The closer I get to Jesus, the more I can be the person He wants me to be. 

No doubt about it - Compulsive worrying and anxiety can be tough, but understanding our identity in Christ and relying on His promises can offer peace. 

1. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty and Care: Remember that God is in control and cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our anxieties on Him. Trusting in His sovereignty helps relieve the burden of trying to control everything.
2. Embrace the Peace of Christ: Jesus provides a peace that surpasses understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to avoid anxiety by presenting our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds.
3. Renew Your Mind: Focus on the truth of God's Word to combat anxiety. Romans 12:2 speaks of renewing the mind by setting thoughts on things above, embracing your identity in Christ (Colossians 3:2).
4. Rely on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is your comforter and guide, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Rely on the Spirit to cultivate peace and self-control, aiding you in managing anxiety.
5. Live in the Present: Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, as each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Focus on the present and trust God with the future.

Most sincerely, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you who are often burdened by worry or anxiety about the complexities of life, the state of our nation, our children/grandchildren,  the uncertainty of our future, the inevitable process of aging, and the challenges surrounding our finances. May you find God's perfect peace and solace in the midst of these concerns!

In Christ,

Debby