November 25
Scripture: Psa 30:11-12
Source author: Scoti Springfield Domeij
November 25
Will I Sing Praise? You turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! —Psalm 30:11–12
After my divorce, a silent shadow tiptoed up every fall, cloaking me in darkness. For several years, I failed to recognize its stealthy intrusion. As the Thanksgiving season raced toward me, looking at my china saddened me. I grieved over happier family times. Seeing the empty chair at our table was excruciating. When hard-pressed, I dutifully and grudgingly expressed “what I’m thankful for,” while my mind spit out a litany of what I wasn’t thankful for. Too angry to embrace gratitude, I felt like the condemned Thanksgiving turkey celebrating against its will. But in time, anguish no longer consumed all joy and thankfulness. Apart from some anxious gobbling, I began to appreciate the good things in my life again. I realized that being thankful was not what I said about God’s blessings, but how I used them. I volunteered to serve Thanksgiving plates of grace to those less fortunate. I offered a listening ear and
compassion to others newer on grief’s path. Now I observe Thanksgiving every day through “thanksliving” by praising the Lord for His blessing of everlasting loving-kindness.
Thanksgiving can be a way of life for us when we focus on the Lord. — Scoti Springfield Domeij —