Here we are. Ready or not. We’re in the holiday season. We celebrated Thanksgiving a few days ago and officially began the Christmas shopping season. It’s not a secret; I LOVE Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. After all, what's not to love? It's a day of great food, family, and low stress (compared to some holidays). No presents to buy or fancy decorations. Not a zillion parties or events to attend. Instead, it's a day of turkey, yummy pie, and people you like (mostly). It’s also my favorite holiday because it revolves around a few of my favorite words – grateful, blessings, contentment, and thankfulness.

It's that time of year again! The porch signs are out, the graphic T-shirts are on, and the cute Instagram memes are abundant. The same sentiment echoes throughout: "Grateful. Thankful. Blessed." Before I go any further, please know I have a hand towel engraved with this seasonal sentiment, so I'm not dissing its significance. In truth, it's a beautiful and rhythmic sentiment. It evokes a sense of joy, security, and warm and fuzzy feelings. Unless, of course, it doesn't.

In a world that can feel out of control, or maybe in our own lives that feel like we have more to be upset about than thankful, we can often wonder or feel the need to ask ourselves - WHY can I be thankful? What can I be thankful for?

Sister, I see you, and I want to tell you something I wish someone would've told me when I was younger… Even in your deepest sorrow...continue praising the name of Jesus! Life can and will have seasons of hardship, pain, and deep aching hurt. So how can you find gratitude when it's full of sorrow?