A Thanksgiving Reflection

Chaplain Liz Danielsen
November 2025

It’s that time of year when we talk about being thankful—after all, Thanksgiving will soon be here. I don’t know what you may be grieving, but perhaps your loved one has recently passed away. Maybe you’ve received a difficult diagnosis or are living with a chronic illness that causes daily pain. You might be mourning a broken friendship, a move that’s left you feeling isolated, or financial challenges that make it hard to celebrate the holiday as you once did. Perhaps someone you love is struggling with addiction, and you’ve realized you can’t help them until they want to help themselves. In seasons like this, being thankful can feel nearly impossible.

But God never intended for us to carry the full weight of our burdens alone. He invites us to give them to Him. Though we may not understand why certain things happen, we can trust that He is always one step ahead—working in ways we cannot yet see. What seems impossible often becomes the very place where God reveals Himself most clearly.

You may not be able to thank God for your circumstances right now, and that’s okay. Instead, try thanking Him for small, steady gifts—the air you breathe, the strength to face today, His promise to never leave you. Scripture reminds us, “The God who made the world and everything in it... gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:24–25). And again, “Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name” (Acts 10:43). That is a reason to be thankful, even in sorrow.

Please know that I am praying for you. May this Thanksgiving bring gentle reminders of God’s love and faithfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family,
from all of us at the Danielsen Center for Hope after Loss.