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Encouragement
Words to Encourage You
Recently, I was praying with someone who was struggling with deep sadness. She shared the pain that her prodigal would not be attending the family’s Thanksgiving gathering. Naturally, she was having a hard time thinking about Thanksgiving without her loved one.
After we prayed, I asked her to look around and see the blessings. I named countless blessings that surrounded her right in that moment:
- A warm home
- Good health
- A loving husband, children, and grandchildren
- Food on the table
- A reliable car to drive
- Faith in God
The list continued on and on. By the end, we were both crying in joy and giving thanks, even though the prodigal would not be joining her gathering.
The Trap of "If I Had..."
We all do this at some point in our lives. We fall into the trap of stating:
“If I had a new car, if my prodigal returned today, if I had a new home, if I had new clothing, if I got married, if I got a new career... then I would be so thankful.”
But Scripture reminds us that gratitude shouldn't depend on our circumstances changing; it should be our posture regardless of them. Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
A Thanksgiving Challenge
Here is my challenge for you on Thanksgiving Day: Go around your table and express what you are thankful for.
Gratitude brings peace and joy into one’s soul. This could be the "best dish" at the table—dishing out gratitude! It just might surprise you how the sadness of the “If I had” changes to “I am thankful even though…”
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Our Mission
Sharin Health is your home for whole-person wellness, grounded in faith. We believe that true health means nourishing both the body God gave us and the spirit He sustains. We provide practical, uplifting resources that bridge healthy cooking (with simple recipes and tips), stress-free living, and deepening your spiritual journey. Join us as we explore how to live a life of vibrant health, anchored by unshakable faith.