The Last day of November

I am glad to see this month go. Sometimes November can feel so desolate.
Not that I couldn't find reason to give thanks. There are many blessings in my life that I am so grateful for; but the honest truth is that the thought of counting my blessings this month made my mind stray to the things I am so sad about.
The things I struggle to understand and accept.
The things I am not thankful for.

I read in scripture to "give thanks in all circumstances" and I will choose to do so. (It says IN, not FOR...right?)  However, it does not come naturally to me.

Weighing heavy on my heart...
our fathers' failing health--one's mind is failing, the other's body is failing
a friend who has cancer--with three children and a wonderful husband who still need her
a friend who just lost her husband in a terrible tractor accident--how does a mother with four young daughters go on?

I am grateful for this verse that I have prayed, cried, whispered, memorized, printed, shouted, and shared:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

The hope I have is in Christ...the promise of joy to come to those who know and put their trust in the work He did on the cross.

Pray with me, a prayer that December helps us all turn our hearts to Him.

That we can anticipate His coming and rejoice in a Savior.

That I can be a LIGHT in a dark world, and share a bit of Jesus in my words and love towards others. "That I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."