Happy Thanksgiving.
People will march through this day with more kindness (I hope) and smiles. The joyful phrase will sing out to strangers, clerks, and among those who gather together. The holiday season will kick-off, and suddenly everyone wants to help and give. Why this is a ‘season,’ I do not know. There are needs all year long.
Anyhow…
For those who battle depression during this time of year, it is a great reminder.
Give thanks.
It is, by far, one of the easiest ways to help ourselves cope. It is difficult to stay in a place of sadness when you are exuding gratitude. When concentrating on prayers of gratitude, the depressive thoughts tend to float away.
“Thank you, Lord, for walking me through this depression with complete care. Thank you for listening and tending to my pain. Thank you for the comfort care, even when I have no words to share with you. Thank you for your Word, and the love you poured down through your Son.”
And even when the words are few, and all we say is, “Thank you,” we lift ourselves from the pool of sorrow.
We refocus toward Christ, leaving the comfort of darkness behind. For me, being comfortable is aggravating. I don’t want to be here. I’d give anything to exist anywhere but in this position.
I dislike holidays for many reasons, and those reasons keep coming, too. But Thanksgiving is a gift. A day of respite from the task of mentally surviving. This day brings me hope and peace. It reminds me of how small I am and how big my God will always be.
If we intentionally modify our thoughts, not only on Thanksgiving, but every day, we will be better. Depression sees nothing; thankfulness appreciates everything.
I may not feel like being positive right now, but I know it’s where I need to be. Change is necessary. It starts today.
Authentic Truths 