Faith along the way

Thanksgiving…what a wonderful time of year. I love spending time with family, eating great food, reminiscing about times past, laughing at the same old stories told year after year. I look forward to it every year. For all the laughter and joy, there is also a sadness just below the surface as we celebrate Thanksgiving without several precious family members.

My mom, my dad, my little sister and my mother-in-law have all gone on to be with the Lord. Many people are celebrating the upcoming holiday season with an underlying sense of sadness. As I was thinking and praying about this post and what to say, I hadn’t planned on going in this direction, but it is what’s on my heart to share. As always, I hope you are encouraged and blessed in some way.

I miss my family. I know many of you feel the same. I miss my dad’s corny jokes, my mom’s hugs, teasing my little sister and asking her “Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? What is wrong with you?” As time passes, I cling to the precious memories of my loved ones. I hold them dearly in my heart, even as I admittedly shed a few tears as I’m typing this. Precious memories are why my other sister and I always make sure we have a can of the dreadful gel cranberry sauce, that no one eats by the way, on the table because momma loved it so. I am so thankful for those precious memories.

What I am most thankful for is the fact that because of their salvation in Jesus Christ, I will see them again one day in heaven. Because I know Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I will be reunited with them one day. Thank you, Lord for the precious gift of salvation, for being that sacrificial lamb who died for my sins and the sins of anyone who repents and trusts in Him as Lord and Savior. John 3:16 tells us “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (NKJV). It is my prayer you know Him as well.

It is also my prayer that you are blessed this Thanksgiving season with precious memories, that they flood your heart with joy and laughter, even as you may shed a few tears as well. May you give thanks with a grateful heart for those precious memories, for the time you had with those precious loved ones, and for the loved ones who are at your table this year.

Blessings to you, especially this Thanksgiving,

Jackie