A few months after our 25 year old son’s suicide we attended a friend’s wedding. The bride’s grandmother took both my hands in hers, looked into my eyes and said, “There are still good things in life.” Her words were comforting. I carried them around with me for weeks, pondering what good life could offer me now. My prayers then were tearful sessions with God, pouring out the sadness that was too intense to talk about.

Thanksgiving is a fitting beginning for the holiday season for those of us who have lost beloved family members. The pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest less than a year after half of their party died during their first harsh winter. They were grateful to God that they did not need to be afraid of the next winter, but they had to have been brokenhearted that their family members weren’t there with them.

Thanking God for blessings while pouring out my pain and sadness over and over has helped me through difficult holiday seasons.  The psalmist wrote, “The nearness of God is my good.” Looking up to God and giving thanks warms the sad heart and opens the door to God’s comfort. My heart goes out to those who have lost family members this year. The holidays are heart breaking. God knows how much it hurts. He understands your pain, even when you can’t put it into words. Look to Him and know that His love and nearness will carry you through this season.  —Becky, US