This week, families and friends will gather and spend time with one another to reflect on the many things they are thankful for- a new job, success in school, meaningful relationships, and so on.

What about those things we aren't so thankful for? The hard things that we don't want to bring to the dinner table, the memories we don't want to relive, or even the things that make us cry?

For some of us, it was a job. A friendship. A lost love. Some of us simply lost a few inspiring dreams and hopes. What we expected in the spring has faded in the fall. What we hoped for in the summer, even if we knew it was a long shot, is cold and forgotten as winter arrives.

How can we possibly give thanks for the things that we lost?

Give thanks for the closed doors the same way you give thanks for the open ones.

Instead of forgetting about those losses and putting them in the back of your minds, make them the foremost part of the grace you say before your Thanksgiving meal. Look at how you have changed and grown as a result of these experiences and remember that life isn't about what you don't have- it's about being grateful for what you DO have.

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never ever have enough." -Oprah Winfrey

Over the last few months, I've experienced some slammed doors and some painful endings. In the midst of my losses, I have been surrounded by the love and support of my family. I was able to get closer to a few people and form some meaningful bonds all because of my loss.

Because of my pain, God showed me strength. I learned that God's "no" was really to protect me from something that He knew wasn't right for me. 2 Corinthians says "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Give thanks for the strength and love God is providing for you and that he has made a way for you. Be thankful for His plan in your life, even when it doesn't go the way you want it to.

In all seasons, all times of life, in everything give thanks.

"Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times, you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons." -Troy Amdhal

Be thankful for that broken road, that dead end, and that goodbye. Give thanks for today and the lessons you have learned because of the trials that you have been facing on your journey.

Today, I am thankful.