Posted by Abba Father,
My heart is heavy. Something about holidays this first year since Mama went home to You is heartbreaking. I’m not sure why, because the last few years of her life she wasn’t participating with us anyway. And she hadn’t really known me for long before that.
But even though that was hard, I could still bring Mama a Thanksgiving meal. I could feed her mashed potatoes and gravy. I could hold her soft hand. I could hope for a sweet word from her. Sometimes she’d say something that made me laugh. Sometimes she’d thrill me by saying my name.
And I could know that when I left, Mama had Daddy and Daddy had Mama. And Dad would tell Mom over and over how much he loved her. And Mom would flutter tap his back for hours as they snuggled in bed together.
Oh Abba Father, I know Mama is with you now. I know she will have the best Thanksgiving ever. And I’m so grateful for that and for You and for eternity. But I don’t know how to prepare for Thanksgiving on earth, when all I want to do is cry. I have so many blessings to be thankful for. SO MANY! And I am grateful, Lord, I truly am.
And yet the emotions and the tears keep coming. How can I honor You through this, Abba? What do You want me to do?
Help me Lord, please, to:
- keep my focus on You and Your faithfulness and presence
- continually give thanks
- love and enjoy the people and moments you bless me with today
- be faithful in the responsibilities You’ve given me right now
- let go of stress, worry, and perfection and trust that Thanksgiving, with all its details, is in Your hands
- appreciate my family and not drive them crazy prepping for the day
Thank You, Abba Father, that You are merciful and good and so faithful! Thank You that Your mercies surround us, Your compassions are new every morning, and that Your love never fails.
Tuck me closely under Your wings when the tears need to fall. And then lift me up on wings like eagles when I need to get the work done. Thank You for your tenderness and gentleness with me, Lord.
And Jesus, would You please give Mama a big hug for me? Tell her I miss her and love her so much. And tell her I’ll try to make Thanksgiving as sweet and warm and fun and delicious as she did for us, for so many years.
God's Grace and Life's Challenges 
Praying for you. The holidays are never the same, but the first one is the hardest.
Thank you Sally. May God give us all grace and help!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful thoughts. They bring tears to my eyes. I can relate to so many of them since my dear husband had dementia and the anniversary of his death is today, the day before Thanksgiving. May Jesus embrace us both. (My daughter puts things I write on a blog if you are interested in seeing them: mending.weebly.com.)
I’m so sorry, Dorothy. And yes, may Jesus embrace us both! He is our comfort and He gives grace. Thank you for telling me about your blog. I will try to check it out soon!
Blessings to you for sharing your heart felt love for your Mother and the struggle you are facing today. Your words are beautiful and your Mother would be so proud of your love for her. Not only for your posts but helping others who face this disease with a parent. Much love and thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your encouraging and touching message, Lisa! And it blesses me so much to hear that anything I share helps someone else. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Such true words, first Thanksgiving without my my Dad. Had my first without a Mama last year. These tears just keep coming, yet I am thankful, grateful they are in Heaven where there is no more pain and sorrow. My heart is heavy , my soul rejoices. Praying for you today. Thank you for sharing your ♥️.
I know what you mean, Wanda. Heart heavy but soul rejoicing at the same time. Thank you for your encouraging words and prayer. They help. I hope you felt God’s presence and grace this Thanksgiving. God bless! ~Cheryl
A friend of mine calls our Lord, Daddy. It’s always so sweet and I am right there with you missing my momma. Our days here on Earth are difficult and it’s very comforting to have our Daddy, any time any day any night. He understands everything and knows our sad hearts. All we have to do is whisper His name. Hang in there, praying for you.
Amen! And thank you so much, Tammy!
I’ve read that Abba is another word for Daddy! I agree, it is such a comfort to have our Daddy with us always. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and prayers, Tammy. I’m praying right now that God gives you grace and comfort as well! ~Cheryl