I hope your Thanksgiving was celebrated by being surrounded by those you love and who love you, lots of laughter, minimal grumbling (let’s be realistic: it happens!- we are surrounded by people after all!), and too much food!

For the first time in many years I found myself to be uncomfortably full but not painfully full.

It’s nice to know I have matured as a human in my 44 years on this earth! I may have finally figured out the holiday meal balance!!!

Or my Bentyl (for my Crohn’s) just works really well! LOL!

As the remains of the dishes sat around my sink and the guests that had filled my house with conversation left last night, I found myself sitting in the quiet….feeling just shy of content.

This morning, as I continue to reflect, I find I am struggling just a little bit more for that peace that lingers in the quiet after a holiday.

I imagine I am not alone in my thinking.

Many of us joined hands at the dinner table to offer thanks….it’s in that moment that we acknowledge who is not present.

Many have lost loved ones, a spouse may be stationed overseas for military duty, or a divorce has completely changed the dynamic in a family causing a break in the unity chain.

The aftermath of the holiday dust settling, the effort to be of good cheer has drained us and we find ourselves sitting in the quiet….reflecting….on what was, what could have been, what we wish it was…

In the quiet I find confusion and doubt lingering in the doorway…trying to shadow my thoughts as my mind wanders.

The questions easily form to ask what now, what could I have done, what should I do next…

I sense thankfulness slipping through my fingers.

That’s where Isaiah 58:11 enters to silence the doubt and secure me with comfort~

The Lord will continue to guide you,

He will satisfy your soul in the scorched and dry places,

He will bring strength to your bones.

You will be like a well – watered garden;

Like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

In the doubts, in the uneasiness, in the wondering I find solace in knowing

my God is guiding me,

ministering to those dry areas of my soul that have been burnt in a fire trying to consume me,

that He is giving me strength all the way into my marrow,

His living water will fill me…

I don’t have to be thankful for all things but I can be thankful in all things for what God has promised to provide: to satisfy, to strengthen, to fill.

May your day be blessed.