If you ever long for more sunshine in your life, follow a cat around. These feline finders never miss the chance to bask in a burst of sunlight, and all of us will need to do that more as the days grow shorter and the sun sets earlier this winter.
This has been a year of valleys and peaks for our family. If you’re a regular reader and you’re just now realizing you haven’t heard from me for a while, it’s because the valleys seem to have drained my creativity so my writing and my cooking, which l came to understand is also a creative endeavor, have suffered. And yet we’ve also had a joyful wedding, a new baby born, and an engagement this year! In all of it, we know God is good, now and forever, and that we are richly blessed.
But like a plant turning toward the sun to soak up as much as it can so it can grow and bloom as designed, we can’t grow if we just sit in the dark. That’s no way to thrive. Those of us who are blessed with sound mental health (well, most of the time) realize that grief is not a destination. It’s not a place to stay, but a place to travel through in time, incorporating the loss into who you will now be but not letting it define you completely. And as we travel, we look for the sun, the positive, the eternal hope that lifts our heads.
It takes discipline to turn away from the dark into the light. And it takes a full reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible passage I often turn to when I need to shift my perspective is Phil. 4:8—Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The fact that you’re reading this means healing is happening. I’m especially grateful for Thanksgiving this year as the timing of the celebration is nothing less than perfect. As Chuck Swindoll wrote: Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection upon the past and an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus, so much so that everything else fades into insignificance.
So if you are feeling down this holiday season, seek the sun and seek the Son, Jesus Christ. Bask in all the blessings for which you are grateful. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
May I share this with the attendees at our church’s Blue Christmas service?
Of course, Cherie. I hope it helps someone.
Thanks so much! Blessings to you and your family.
And to you and yours!
Nancy, thank you for always bringing sunshine and light with your perspective snd your writing.
Just glad to be writing again! Thanks, Beth.
Nancy, I’ve missed you and your insight on so many issues. I’m praying you and your family have a calmer 2026 than 2025 has been.
Thank you, Peggy. I think we’re ready to hunker down for the winter and some cozy, calm evenings for sure. God bless you.
Thankful to see you back; to read your tender and true observations of life in all its permutations, dear Nancy
Thank you, my friend. I hope it continues. Hugs.
Such a lovely surprise to find this in my emails. Welcome Back!
Thank you, Eileen. For this comment and for your support always!
Nancy, I always love the perspective you bring and the way you express it in your writing. So glad you’re back at it! I love Philippians 4:8. Your writing is all of those things! Thank you for being you!
Thank you so much, Susan. I appreciate the encouragement.
Happy Thanksgiving, Nancy! Praise God for His patient friendship and love during deep valleys. Thank you for writing! Words help us heal. We have missed you, dear one. My ladies from Oakmont and I continue to use your books to guide our discussions and point us to Christ. Praying for you!
Thank you, Tanya. I always love hearing that the words and ideas the Lord gave to me are reaching those for whom He intended them! God bless.
Thank you, Nancy. (Btw, I’ll send my cards out soon.) Please note that the better email address for me is @yahoo.com The first part is the same.