Thankful Even for the Darkness

This Thanksgiving, before the cooking begins, it’s been good to pause for a moment to reflect on all we have to be thankful for this year. Yes, even in THIS year of so much yuck. As I reflected on so many bright spots in the midst of so much darkness, I found myself being thankful even for the darkness.
Why?
Because that’s where the light shines brightest.
There are perspectives I probably would never have learned from had it not been for hidden things coming into the light.
This has been a year of:
~loss & learning
~grief & growth
~barriers & breakthrough
~challenge & change
~trial & transformation
~process & perspective
~confusion & clarity
I have personal examples for each of these that I won’t take the time to share here. But let’s just say, this Thanksgiving, I feel so much more thankful than I was expecting to feel.
Why?
Because I intentionally shifted my focus from all that’s disappointed me this year to all that’s delighted. And you know what? In each moment of darkness I was able to see a glimmer of light. And sometimes a glimmer is all it takes.
It’s not about putting on a happy face when you aren’t feeling it. It’s allowing yourself to feel all the feels and get to the “but God...” in the midst of whatever you’re experiencing.
As we transition into the Christmas season, I encourage you to remember to sit with the One Who is WITH you.
Emmanuel is with you in the:
~loss & learning
~grief & growth
~barriers & breakthrough
~challenge & change
~trial & transformation
~process & perspective
~confusion & clarity
May you encounter & experience His nearness today as you count your many blessings, and name them one by one. I think it just might surprise you what all He has done. Yes, even in 2020.