“But [the Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor 12:9)

As Thanksgiving draws near, I’ve focused on gratefulness as the theme of my blog posts. This week, I’m thinking about change and how to be thankful for those things that are, quite honestly, unwelcome and unwanted. Change is hard, and it’s often accompanied by some sort of trial. How can I turn my heart toward thankfulness in difficult times?

This has been a year of change for my family. A couple of the biggest changes included one of my best friends moving over 700 miles away and my mom falling and breaking her kneecap, which required surgery to repair.

I can’t say I’m truly thankful for either of these changes, but what I am thankful for are the outcomes, some of which I have yet to see. I’m praying and believing for things to be better on the other side.

In the meantime, I’m working on my perspective. My friend and I have to make an intentional effort to keep in touch. Doing so has shed light on some friendships with those who live closer—sometimes, those who are closest are the most neglected because we think they’ll always be there.

What I’m grateful for in my mom’s situation is the time I’ve gotten to spend with her as she’s recovered. I’ve been her chauffeur to doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and errands. While I wish she hadn’t had to go through the pain, I am thankful that this situation has allowed us to grow closer.

In spite of the hardships, good things are happening, and no matter what, I know Jesus is always there. He knows what we’re going through, and he knows what’s ahead. When we face difficult times, he gives us strength. It’s times like these when our faith grows the most.

We may feel he’s given us more than we can handle, and most likely, that is true. We can’t handle it on our own. But his strength shines through our weaknesses and carries us through.

Dear Jesus, thank you for always being there for us in the middle of change and difficult situations. Thank you for being there in the good times, too. You alone know what lies ahead. Amen.