“Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving” GMWA Choir
As the holidays are vastly approaching, I thought I’d take a different perspective post. For many people, holidays are difficult to deal with because of the lost of loved ones, lack of family, or lack of funds. To be completely honest, I understand and have dealt with all three.
Since December 19, 2002, I have had difficulty dealing in the month of December. You ask what was so poignant about that day…That was the day my heart, my (mom’s) backbone, my grandfather, Auther L. Smith, passed away. The days leading up to Christmas for me were very difficult and still are at times. My Grandpa was the epitome of what a grandfather was. I love that man with my all. His absence is glaringly clear; I can’t help but wonder what life would be like if he were still here. Shortly after his death, February 10, 2003, my other grandfather, Maurice Nickleberry Jr. passed. I grew up in the house with Paw Paw; he was the father figure I didn’t have in my biological father. I can’t venture to say that I completely understand why their deaths happen so close together, but I will say that I learned at 17 years old how to hold to God’s unchanging hand…
I take this time of year to focus on the things that I’m thankful for. As much bad as we tend to highlight, there is just as much good.
I’m grateful to God for life. Oftentimes, we say that, but don’t really think about what we’re really saying. We take the fact that we’re living for granted. There is this unspoken expectation that we’ll see tomorrow, but that’s not always true. I received a text that a student passed this morning…She was 17 years old…hadn’t had an opportunity to fully live her life, but had already been through and seen so much. We find the oddest things to complain and be mad about, but there are so many bigger things going on around us.
I’m grateful to God for framily (friends & family). Not everyone has those they can count on day or night. My family is the greatest; they have embraced my husband and my bonus son as their own, without any difference. Last Friday, I had a slight scare regarding my husband and my mother, grandmother, and brother jumped into action. My extended family (friends) are an awesome support system: you know who you are. You ALL are there when it counts the most and I’m grateful for you…My husband is so awesome! I’m not the easiest to deal with, but he does it with no hesitation. I’ll forever love him for that.
I’m just grateful. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have this year; lets take the time to focus on what we have and who we have. God is a father to the fatherless, mother to motherless, a provider, a deliverer, THE ultimate healer…What is He to you?
I offer this prayer for those who are struggling this holiday season:
Father God, I say thank you God for being God; thank you for all that you’ve done for us, even the things we take for granted. I ask that you forgive us of every sin we’ve committed. God I pray for my sister or brother who may be struggling with this season. God I ask that you wrap your arms of comfort around them and allow them to feel the warmth from your presence. Lord I ask that you fill the void they are feeling with your love, your peace, and your strength. Remind them that you are ALWAYS there. God I thank you.
Amen.
What are you Grateful for?
-Lady CMJ
© Chelsyea Jackson and UnShaded Revelations, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chelsyea Jackson and UnShaded Revelations with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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