November 23, 2023 – Thanksgiving Morning
Lord, thank you for this beautiful, Thanksgiving morning in the desert. The sun is almost over the mountain ridge, and I get to watch it rise from the warmth of my bed. Thank you!
In this early morning my heart is filled with gratitude. Your Spirit is comforting in my joy, and yet, you remind me of my friends’ hearts that are breaking and broken.
Jesus, only you can comfort in those moments of grief. I trust your love and faithfulness in even the darkest pain.
Will you meet those who are suffering and fill them with your presence and peace, and may they feel seen and heard through their tears?
Thank you that you are a God of redemption and restoration. Have your way in my day. Thank you.
November 24, 2023 – Thanksgiving Friday
Jesus, I just learned of my dear friend’s passing from this earthly pain into the glory of your presence. Tears flood my eyes each moment I consider our lifelong friendship, and the loss and grief she’s left behind.
Lord, I know you have a specific purpose for taking her home to be with you on the day we’re supposed to celebrate our thankfulness for family, your provisions, and opportunities you’ve given us in this life – Thanksgiving.
But chances are, anyone who loved her may not have gratitude on this day.
And possibly not for the weeks, months and years that follow.
We have lost a gem of a woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Sadness pushes its way to the front of the feelings line. My loss, our loss is so heavy.
But then I think of her. I think of her new perspective.
Her pain is gone. Her lungs are filled with perfected breath. Healed is her body and reconciled is her heart . . .
because she’s with you!
And that is where my gratitude returns. You have brought her into an eternity of love, health, fulfillment, joy. She is now experiencing heavenly bliss.
She is finally, fully experiencing you!
She has complete redemption and ultimate healing, where her loved ones, who know you and have accepted your invitation into eternity, will meet her again.
May we remember, in our grief, that this broken world is only temporary. When the sorrow is strong, help us imagine her renewed glory to experience a glimpse of heaven through her eyes, even for a momentary relief from grief.
Not for the things of this broken, fallen, sick, painful, sorrow-consumed and grief-stricken world do I say thank you.
But with a broken thanksgiving I will praise your name and trust in your victory on the cross and out of the grave.
I will see her again.
But my hope is more than that.
My hope is you, Jesus.
Thank you.
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