True Thanksgiving: Gratitude in Spite of Challenge

Today marks a major American holiday, Thanksgiving, that is often overlooked or used as an excuse for excess. But for me, Thanksgiving has always meant something different. This year, I’m thankful, more than ever, for my family and my health.

Health Challenges

The art of Thanksgiving and being thankful is easy when you’re healthy. This year has been a struggle for me. I’ve talked on this blog at length about how my own stubbornness and fear led to an injury becoming worse than it should have been. I’m on the mend now, and I’m grateful to God for getting me through it. That alone is enough for me to have a totally different outlook this year.

Provision

Thanksgiving also extends to provision. Being a disabled person, I rely on the people around me. I am fortunate to have parents who have supported me through my entire journey. When I told my dad that I thought writing was my calling, he encouraged it. In that time, my family has stood by me as I spent hours developing concepts, listening to me ramble, and helping me make the decisions I needed. I’m so fortunate to have them on my side.

The true reason for Thanksgiving: God has been good to me!

It all boils down to one thing. God is the true reason for Thanksgiving. He has given me so much to be thankful for and protected me from many situations that could’ve been much worse because of my own stubbornness. It’ll sound cliché to those who don’t believe, but Thanksgiving originated as a religious holiday, and it’s important to pause and be thankful for all He’s done for me.

I want to hear from you: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?