When Gratitude and Grief Meet

The Thanksgiving season invites us to count our blessings, to reflect on God’s goodness, and to gather with those we love. But when grief is part of our story, these traditions can feel bittersweet. How do we give thanks when our hearts are broken? How do we celebrate when someone we love is missing? It’s a hard road to navigate but there is a fork in the road when gratitude and grief meet.

If you’re walking through loss this Thanksgiving, take heart — you don’t have to choose between gratitude and grief. Both can dwell together. In the quiet moments, we can find comfort in knowing that God draws near to the brokenhearted and that His love remains constant, even in the seasons that look and feel different than before.

That’s why I wanted to share a few thoughts for those of us navigating the Thanksgiving season with both gratitude and grief. It’s okay if your heart feels tender this year. You can honor your loved one’s memory, acknowledge the ache of their absence, and still find glimpses of peace and joy along the way.

Although I wrote this a few years ago, the sentiment about grieving through the holidays remains the same. Typically, the Thanksgiving season is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and creating cherished memories.  However, for those who are coping with grief during the Thanksgiving season and the loss of a loved one, this time of year can bring about feelings of grief and longing. While it may seem challenging to navigate the holiday season in the absence of those we hold dear, it’s important to remember that it’s possible to embrace moments of joy while honoring our feelings of grief. Continue reading here: Coping with Grief.