Things That Didn’t Happen

Image by Stephanie Holland from Pixabay

This holiday season, I am thankful for all the usual things like a warm home, food, clothing, etc. However, I won’t lie. I’m not thankful my husband won’t be with me this holiday season. 

I will spend the holidays with my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters, which will be special, something I haven’t done in many years, but there will still be a missing part. Times alone. Even so, I’m trying to keep a positive attitude and not dwell on what is missing.

A pastor friend posted a comment on social media. Even if we can’t bring ourselves to be thankful for our current situation, we can be thankful for the things that didn’t happen. As the old saying goes, things can always be worse.

The thought is similar to the sentiment in the Garth Brooks song, Thankful for Unanswered Prayers. Life experience has taught me to avoid praying for particular things and just ask God for help. How can I presume to tell God what’s best? Regardless of the situation, like missing my husband, God will help me through it. And not just me. All of us.

So, this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for what I have — and for the things that didn’t happen.

Amen.