The merry season is coming
And many are gathering
Knocking, seeking attention;
Joy is singing, hilariously
Thankful for today
Regret is murmuring
Wondering, “How can
You forget so quickly?”
Peace is smiling, assuring
“It will all end well.”
Disappointment is grumbling
“Really? End well? How?
I’m not going on vacation!”
They are all gathering
Knocking seeking attention
Which will you open
Your door to today?
The merry season draws closer and with that, the imminent end of the year. It is very easy to get into reckoning mode and in the process slip into discouragement; to rehash what worked and tons that didn’t, to take stock of all that we hoped for and didn’t see while forgetting all that we didn’t anticipate that showed up, to count our failures and disappointments instead of our blessings, to imagine where we would have been instead of enjoying where we are. It is always easier to see what didn’t work for us and who didn’t help us instead of all that worked and those who stood for us, by us, and with us. As many ready for merriment, there is the tendency for some to take their name off the merry list because things didn’t go as they had planned, they didn’t accomplish all they set out to, and consequently are more willing to hug disappointment than gratitude.
May we not forget that life is the greatest gift of all and to the living, there is hope. May we not forget that there are many out there, in far worse situations than where we found ourselves, for no fault of theirs. May we not forget that in reality, God does not owe us, He has already given the ultimate gift – the life of His Son thereby assuring our salvation. May we not forget that every other thing that comes along is a bonus not a debt. May we not forget that irrespective of wherever we think we are today or could have been, it could have been worse than it currently is. May we not forget that discouragement trolls everyone but only those who let it in are dragged down the regrettable path of ingratitude. And may we not forget that in like manner, thankfulness is equally close at hand, accessible to those who open their doors to welcome and embrace it.
If we are sincere to ourselves, there is more to be thankful for; so much more than we can count. God has called us to a hope that does not disappoint and though it tarries, we are called to patiently wait for it. Not to grumble and complain and give up but to hold fast, be thankful, persistent, and standing after we have done all that we know to do. In this season, as the good and the bad wander around and about, seeking who to overtake, may we not be overtaken by disappointment, regret and ungratefulness.
May we look up and find hope to encourage our faith that it is well with us and it shall end well for us. May we find joy to celebrate the gifts of life and of every new day that we are privileged to experience, not only on Thanksgiving days but every single day. And may the peace that passes all understanding shield us from the devourer who stirs all the wrong emotions and attitudes we truly do need this season and beyond. Amen.
Blessing
Glory!