The holiday season is emotional for everyone; it’s a time of looking backward and forward. How many of us “say what we’re thankful for” before carving that Thanksgiving turkey? How many others reserve the big announcements of their lives for when the whole family is diving into pumpkin pie? Both are nice traditions.
For many years I dreamed of the Thanksgiving Day when I could announce to my family that I was pregnant. I imagined so much warmth and happiness surrounding David and me. I imagined everyone toasting our health with nonalcoholic iced tea. I even imagined getting out of buying my daddy a birthday gift that year (because his November 27 birthday seems to be on Thanksgiving Day more often than not)!
I never got to make that announcement, and yes, it hurt to hear similar announcements from others during the years when David and I were enduring fertility treatments and suffering miscarriages.
This year I want to be truly thankful for what God has given, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this desire! I’m making a conscious choice to thank God for what He has given me instead of mourning what has been lost. Will you join me?
In the run-up to Thursday’s turkey coma (or sugar high!), I’m going to do 3 small devotionals (one each day) based on 2 Thessalonians 1 that I hope will inspire you to be thankful regardless of your circumstances. And just for fun, I’m giving away a signed copy of Barren among the Fruitful and an exclusive “Be Hopeful” necklace on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
To qualify for the drawing, you must do two things.
- At the bottom of each blog post, click the “Like” button.
- Right above that button are round buttons that allow you to share my post on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and via e-mail. Choose your favorite social media format, and share the day’s post with your friends.
You must do both steps in order to be entered to win the book and necklace. You will receive one entry for each day that you share my post (regardless of the number of times you share it…but feel free to share the day’s inspiration everywhere!)
Thursday I will post the names of the 3 winners, and I hope we all will be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to give thanks to God for all He has given to us.
