THE JOY OF THE JOURNEY
Thankful for What Remains
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There is something special about gathering around the table with family, sharing stories, enjoying a good meal, and remembering the blessings God has given us. But I’ve come to realize that Thanksgiving takes on a different meaning as we grow older. Sometimes, the very things we are most thankful for are the things we can no longer hold in our hands.
This year, Thanksgiving will be different for me.
For the first time in my life, both of my parents are gone. My father and mother have finished their earthly journeys and are now in the presence of the Lord. There will be empty places at the table, familiar voices I won’t hear, and moments when memories will bring both a smile and a tear. We always decorated the Christmas tree at my mom’s house every Thanksgiving; I will miss that tradition this year.
Yet, even in the middle of grief, I find myself incredibly thankful.
I’m thankful that God blessed me with parents who loved me, prayed for me, corrected me when I needed it, and demonstrated what it meant to live a life of faith. I’m thankful for the lessons they taught me, the sacrifices they made, and the countless memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
Their absence is painful, but their influence is permanent. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Notice that Paul didn’t say to give thanks for every circumstance, but in every circumstance. There is a difference. We don’t have to be thankful for the pain of losing someone we love, but we can be thankful for the blessing of having loved them.
Gratitude doesn’t erase grief. Sometimes, it simply helps us see God’s goodness through our tears. Psalm 100:5 reminds us that the Lord is good, His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through every generation. What a beautiful reminder that God’s goodness isn’t measured by what we’ve lost but by His faithfulness through it all.
As I look around my life today, I still have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful wife, two precious children, family, friends, and a church family who have demonstrated God’s love in countless ways. I have memories that time cannot erase and promises from God’s Word that death cannot destroy.
Perhaps this Thanksgiving, you’re facing an empty chair, a difficult season, or circumstances you never expected. I encourage you to look beyond what is missing and recognize what remains.
The love remains. The memories remain. The lessons remain. Most importantly, the faithfulness of God remains.
This Thanksgiving, I won’t just thank God for the blessings I can see. I’ll thank Him for the blessings that helped make me who I am. Because sometimes the greatest expression of thanksgiving is learning to be grateful for what remains, even while grieving what is gone.
