Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Romans 12:15

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It's easy to thank the Lord when He gives you what you want. The challenge comes in continuing to thank Him as He leads you down a path you don't want to be on. I have a lot of reasons to be thankful this year, but that hasn't always been my experience and I am fully aware that it's not the experience of everyone.
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Part of loving other people as yourself (Mk 12:31) is recognizing when others are suffering and doing what you can to alleviate their sorrow. Take time over the next few weeks to pray for those who are struggling in some way with this season. Pray individually for those you know and generally for those you don't. Invite others to join your celebrations when possible. Understand when invitations are turned down. Love them, certainly in your thoughts and prayers, but also in your words in actions, whether that means saying something or staying silent. Strive to make the act of thanking the Lord in all circumstances just a little bit easier for those whose circumstances are far less than ideal.