Autumn & Thanksgiving

Years ago, I remember struggling with a shortcoming in our marriage. I was just about bubbling over with it. And then my husband sweetly came to me and said, “Thank you for being patient with me. I know this has been hard, and I am trying my best.” His gratitude toward me breathed grace into our relationship. I had a renewed patience for our situation and a renewed commitment to face it together instead of pulling away with frustration.

From the colors of autumn leaves to the flavors of the harvest, every detail reflects the Lord’s handiwork. Here are fresh ways to let the season turn your eyes toward Him.

Fall is here, and the weather is cooling down. If summer's high temps kept you inside, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy those fall temperatures. Even better? Getting outside with your grandkids. Kids love to be outside no matter the weather, so they will be glad to spend time with you.

This Fall, open God’s Word and gather lasting fruit. Discover which books of the Bible can deepen your walk with Christ in this season.

Sure, buying Christmas décor, stringing out twinkle lights, and transforming your house into your own winter wonderland can be therapeutic. But unless you resolve the root causes of your anxiety, depression, or family conflicts, the dopamine from cheerful decorations will eventually evaporate, leaving you with the same, tired worries.

What if we spent time each day in giving thanks and prayer? How could God grow out faith and trust if we lived a life of thanks through all seasons and not just Thanksgiving time?

Gratitude isn't about hailing the action performed but celebrating the soul behind the deed that needs to know they're seen and treasured.

Once you have decided on boundaries to protect your mental health and that of others, now comes the time to clearly communicate them. This can be tough and may even feel daunting and intimidating, especially when there are underlying expectations from others or traditions that have been set and passed down for everyone to follow suit.

What do we do when we encounter narcissistic family members at holiday events?

We bring our insecurities, dysfunction, past hurts, and areas of deception into every encounter, as does everyone with whom we engage. This can lead to misunderstandings and increased hurt. In Matthew 7, Jesus provides steps we can take to guard against this.

Holidays offer us opportunities to catch up with our family. However, family members can also tend to ask questions that people, especially single people, absolutely dread being asked.

Spending prolonged periods with family or friends, sharing living quarters, and making concessions, coupled with the general stress of the season, can make gatherings a recipe for disaster. But it doesn't have to be. Life is too short, and our relationships too precious for us to spend another year trying to survive the season. Instead, perhaps, with a few adjustments, we can move from surviving to savoring this time.

Gathering with our loved ones is truly that, a gift. Let's all, if not for a few weeks, hours, or even moments, put aside our differences, opinions, and preferences. The Lord made us for community, for better or worse, and planned for us to experience life alongside other human beings.