Forget the turkey and breathe

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

While some of you are heading into Thursday with pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce on the mind. There are some of you that are already holding the paper bag to your face deep breathing. Or some are already planning the great escape text, "something came up I won't make it this year." Holiday's are tough. The times that are meant to be joyful and filled with thanks become the moments that you dread the most. Thanksgiving is filled with going around the table and expressing to others what you are most thankful for. But what if finding something to be grateful for, is the last thing on your mind?

When you look at depression, you notice that it is a lack of energy, a lack of motivation, a lack of interest, etc. This "lack of" is what keeps some from experiencing Thanksgiving with a positive outlook. Anxiety, is in the form of the anticipation and perception of what will happen once Thursday comes around. Based on previous experiences or irrational thinking, someone with anxiety has already created a monster of a day that they foresee not being able to battle. Depression and anxiety can at times feel overwhelming. Now add that to the experiences of gatherings in general.

I wish there was a magic word, that could make it easy to show up on Thanksgiving. I wish I could share some super inspirational story that will help you get through the day. What I can share with you though, is that there are tips to help you on this day:

Tips for handling Thanksgiving:

1. Go where you feel most comfortable

2. It is okay to have a hard time being thankful (yup, I said it)

3. Keep yourself at the forefront of your mind because you matter

4. It is okay to leave early

5. It is okay to not go anywhere at all

When experiencing depression and anxiety, it can be hard to feel okay with experiencing the holiday's differently than everyone else. Remember though, that the way you imagine everyone else experiencing the holiday is your perception. While some are thinking about the joy that Thanksgiving brings, others are thinking about the pain, the fear, the loneliness, the panic that it brings too. You might want to be part of the experience mentally but emotionally you can't handle it. That is okay. You might want to join in the fun, but physically you are just tired. That is okay. So when experiencing the holidays, a great way to do it, when managing depression and anxiety, is to do it at your own pace. You can do this! You can!

God calls you to His table and He welcomes you with open arms. Imagine God calling you to this table at Thanksgiving. Imagine being in the presence of God, because while your table might look filled with chaos, they are also filled with people created in the image of God. You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

Depression and anxiety are real life experiences, and do not go away because the holidays are here.

Be kind. Be patient. With yourself. And with each other.

Scripture:

Psalm 107:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Philippians 4:13

Reflection:

Which of these tips above do you need?

What are you grateful for? If it is hard to find something to be grateful for, what is making it hard?

How can He bring comfort to your experiences?

What if your relationship with Christ was Thanksgiving enough?

Prayer;

Lord, I find in you hope. And I give Thanksgiving in the blessing of the son you sent to die on the cross for my sins. Lord I find that at times I struggle and I do not know where to go, but then I know that I can find hope and home in you. Heavenly Father, as I come to this day where we give thanks, I ask that you guard me from the things that I cannot control. I ask that as I show up at the table, that you may be present, you may be our guest. Lord I ask that through this journey I continue to find hope and healing. In gratitude for your Son, Jesus Christ who saved us from our sins. Amen.