Hap
py November! It’s hard to believe that we are just three weeks away from Thanksgiving and less than 60 days from a New Year! For many, this season is the most joyful of the entire year! But for some, November ushers in holidays that are difficult for a myriad of reasons. I am understanding those difficulties more intensely than I ever have before, as this year marks the first holiday season without our son, and the pain is deep to say the least.
And yet, I see the life-giving value of thanksgiving as a means of holding on to hope. It’s a lesson I learned many years ago through another difficult season, and I’d love to share a resource that God used to give me new perspective.
There was a time about 10 years ago when family life was hard. Our son was having a lot of difficulties and nothing we did seemed to help. I was overwhelmed, distraught and nearsighted. I could only see the brokenness around me. Then I happened upon this book, One Thousand Gifts, A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp. Today, on our Facebook page, The Sublime Soiree, we have posted a video where I explain the powerful, transformative lessons One Thousand Gifts taught me. I pray those lessons will encourage you, as well. You can watch that video here.
Have a wonderful, thankful day, friend. May it be sublime, free above the fray.
— Linda R. Maynard © November 4, 2021