We opened up the box and spread out all the domino pieces on the counter. Our friends, Ami and Chris, had joined us for an early Thanksgiving “friendsgiving” and game night. All day long, I’d been hankering for a bowl of chili out of my crockpot, and I couldn’t wait to taste the chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Everything was planned and ready to go. Exceptional fun was on the menu–until we counted all the dominoes.  

One piece was missing.  

I shrugged my shoulders and resigned myself to the inevitable. Something essential was gone, and I had no idea why it happened or how to fix it.  

That dollar store box of dominoes is kind of a metaphor for my life lately. I know God has asked me to keep participating in the game of life even though my box is currently missing all the required pieces for play.  

I confess some days I am just not feeling it. The holidays are especially hard. The boxes full of Christmas decorations are stacked in a corner, and I am pretty sure I am going to have a good cry if I unpack them.  

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving when you lack something vital to your joy? This is a conversation I’ve had with several brokenhearted friends who understand my dilemma. Perhaps this Thanksgiving you aren’t feeling festive because a chair at your table will be empty. Maybe someone is acting like they forgot your phone number, and you are sad. Perhaps you’d rather gobble down a few Oreos alone and skip the turkey entirely.  

Friend, I totally get how you feel. As we get closer to the holidays, all the brokenness in our lives becomes unavoidably painful. The sticky situations, the family dysfunction, the grudges people insist on bringing to the table — all of this makes me want to cancel Thanksgiving entirely and just avoid the discomfort.  

Yet, even though not everything is perfect and wrapped in a pretty box this Thanksgiving, I am blessed beyond measure. God is good, and He can heal all my broken places as He pours out His grace.  

Because I belong to God, there is always reason to celebrate. In hopes of reminding myself of this fact, I opened up my Bible and discovered 3 changes I can make to my mindset to stop being a grouch and step into gratitude this November:  

Here’s How You Can Celebrate Thanksgiving When You Don’t Feel It:

Focus on what you’ve not lost, rather than on what you didn’t receive.  

 No matter how heartbreaking this year has been, God has set you free from condemnation. I confess I am quick to complain about my hardships, and I easily forget I’ve been fully forgiven. God’s kindness to sinners like you and me is a miracle, and that’s a gift of grace we cannot ever lose.  

• “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things….” (Psalm 103:2-5, NLT)

Think about how much you are loved, not about how little you are appreciated.  

People we care about may disregard us and treat us with indifference, but God’s love pursues us relentlessly. The gaping hole in our heart can only be adequately filled by our Father’s tender care. When this world tries to tell you you are not valued, remind yourself you are His beloved. 

• “…the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:16, ESV)

Contemplate what stands eternally sure instead of what seems currently insurmountable.  

Any injustice you experience today will not thwart God’s triumphant plan for your life. Your God sits enthroned in heaven, and He will get the glory through every circumstance in the end. If your life seems chaotic and unbearable right now, fix your thoughts on the hope of heaven. God is on your side, and He never stops fighting for redemption.

• “The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything.” (Psalm 103:19, NLT)

Need more help to celebrate Thanksgiving when you don’t feel it? I’ve created a one-page printable for you to count your blessings from A to Z this month. Download a copy and grab a cup of tea. Then, find a quiet spot to sit down for a spell to reflect on how God has shown up for you in unexpected ways this past year. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. 

Bonus: I’m also going to count my blessings from A to Z on my Instagram and Facebook for the first 26 days in November, and I’d love for you to join me there and share yours.    

When we choose to bless the Lord in the midst of a difficult season, we stand rooted in God’s Word and not ruled by our feelings.  An inexplicable peace will fill our hearts because we know God’s goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. We can cease from striving and give thanks because we know these 3 Truths:  

God is always good. He generously provides for our needs.

God will never stop loving us. He will never leave us or forsake us.  

God remains in control. Our future is secure.  

Trusting God with your tomorrow helps you to celebrate Thanksgiving today.

Let’s Chat: What helps you to celebrate Thanksgiving when you are not feeling it?

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