The holiday season arrives like a wave—beginning with Thanksgiving’s call to gratitude and continuing into weeks filled with gatherings, expectations, traditions, and emotions. For many, this season brings both beauty and heaviness. We long for peace-filled celebrations that honor Christ, yet we often find ourselves rushing, juggling schedules, navigating family tensions, or carrying grief. The good news is that Jesus meets us in the midst of it all. We don’t have to earn His presence; He comes near to us just as we are. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
🕯 Remembering the Heart of the Season
Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on God’s goodness, but that doesn’t mean forcing gratitude in difficult circumstances. Real thankfulness grows from recognizing God’s faithfulness in every season. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). As we transition into Advent and Christmas, we remember Emmanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23). This truth steadies us even when our schedules feel overwhelming. The holidays are not about performing, impressing, or creating picture-perfect moments. They are about resting in the presence of Christ and welcoming His peace into our homes and hearts.
💛 Extending Grace to Yourself
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—and others—this season is grace. Let go of the pressure to do it all. You don’t have to attend every event, cook every dish, or meet every expectation. Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to rest and pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God took time to breathe, you can too. Create space for reflection: What truly nourishes your soul? What drains your spirit? Saying “no” to hustle and “yes” to rest is not selfish—it is wise stewardship of your well-being. When your heart is at peace, you are freer to love others well.
🤝 Extending Grace to Others
Everyone around you carries unseen burdens—grief from losses, stress from responsibilities, or loneliness that surfaces during the holidays. When we approach others with empathy rather than expectation, relationships soften. Paul reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Grace does not mean allowing unhealthy behavior or ignoring hurt, but it does mean choosing gentleness over reaction. Ask God to help you see others through His eyes, especially in moments of frustration.
🛡 Setting Healthy, Christ-Centered Boundaries
One of the most overlooked aspects of grace is the necessity of boundaries. Jesus modeled clear boundaries throughout His ministry—He walked away from crowds, said “no” when it was needed for His mission, and didn’t allow the expectations of others to control Him. Boundaries are not walls of rejection; they are gates of protection. They help you love others without losing yourself.
Here are some ways boundaries can look during the holidays:
- Limiting time at gatherings that trigger stress or conflict
- Communicating your needs with kindness and clarity
- Choosing not to participate in conversations or traditions that harm your emotional health
- Prioritizing time with God before engaging in difficult interactions
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Guarding your heart honors God and makes space for His peace. Boundaries allow you to show up with grace—fully present, fully grounded, and fully aligned with Christ’s love.
👪 Navigating Family Dynamics
Family gatherings can stir nostalgia and bring joy, but they can also surface old wounds or unspoken tensions. Preparing your heart in prayer is essential. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond with wisdom, patience, and humility. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Peace may not be possible with every person or in every situation, but you can choose to carry peace with you. You are responsible for your own reactions, not for managing the emotions or behavior of others. Let Christ’s example—humble, patient, and anchored in love—guide your steps.
💔 When the Season Is Hard
For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas intensify emotions like grief, loneliness, or stress. Empty chairs at the table, beloved traditions that have changed, or relationships that feel distant can make the holidays bittersweet. You do not have to pretend that everything is okay. Jesus is close to those who are hurting. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Reach out to your church community, small group, or trusted friends. There is strength in connection and healing in companionship.
🙏 Practices for a Grace-Filled Holiday Season
Create simple rhythms that anchor you in Christ’s peace:
- Begin your mornings with Scripture or an Advent reflection.
- Use a breath prayer such as, “Jesus, bring Your peace.”
- End your day with gratitude, naming where you saw God at work.
- Look for opportunities to bless others—a phone call, a meal, an encouraging text, or a handwritten note.
Serving others gently and quietly becomes an act of worship that re-centers your heart on Christ.
🍂 A Thanksgiving Blessing for the Season Ahead
As you step into this holiday season, may Christ’s peace settle softly over your heart and your home. May gratitude rise not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful in every circumstance. May His grace guide your steps—from Thanksgiving to Christmas and into the new year. And may you experience Emmanuel—God with you—bringing comfort, strength, and joy in every moment.
Grace has already come, wrapped in a Savior. You don’t have to navigate this season alone.
Enjoy your FREE Issue of Aging Vibrantly Quarterly Fall 2025
Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Discover the transformative power of gratitude as you age gracefully, and unlock a vibrant way of living that uplifts your mind, body, and spirit. This enlightening blog post delves into how a simple gratitude practice can reshape your brain, boost your heart health, and enhance emotional well-being, helping you handle stress and promote joy. By embracing gratitude, not only do you enrich your personal health, but you also strengthen your relationships, finding abundance and meaning even in life's challenges. Learn how gratitude acts as a spiritual practice, nourishing your soul and opening your heart to love and connection. With actionable daily practices tailored for older adults, this post offers a roadmap to cultivate a lasting attitude of gratitude, showing how life’s later years can be celebrated with wisdom, love, and joy. Explore the science and spirit behind gratitude and elevate your journey through aging with grace and abundant thankfulness.
Read more...
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" – Acts 20:35 (NIV)
As we journey through life—especially in the second half—we begin to see more clearly what truly matters. The busyness of raising children, building careers, and managing responsibilities starts to slow, and space opens up in our hearts and schedules. It’s in this sacred space that many discover the deeper call to serve, give, mentor, and support others. Living with a heart of service and generosity isn’t just about doing good—it’s about becoming who we were always meant to be.
The Heart of Service: Why Giving Matters
God designed us to be vessels of love and light in a world that can sometimes feel dark and lonely. When we step into a life of service, we reflect His character and receive unexpected blessings ourselves.
Studies show that older adults who volunteer and give of their time experience greater levels of happiness, reduced rates of depression, and even better physical health. But beyond the data, there’s a spiritual truth: giving fills us up. We were created not only to be loved by God but to be conduits of that love to others.
Service doesn't need to be grand or public. A quiet phone call to check in on a friend, a prayer whispered for a neighbor, or a batch of cookies dropped off at a shelter can change someone’s entire day—or even their life.
Generosity in Everyday Life
Many people equate generosity with financial giving. While that is one beautiful form of generosity, it’s far from the only one. Generosity is a way of life—it’s an attitude of abundance, a willingness to share what we have, no matter how simple or small.
Here are a few ways you can embody generosity in everyday life:
| Type of Generosity | Examples |
|---|---|
| Time | Visiting a lonely neighbor, helping at church, listening without rushing. |
| Talent | Offering to teach a skill, like knitting, cooking, or tech help. |
| Words | Sending encouragement through cards, texts, or prayer. |
| Presence | Simply being there—at a bedside, a funeral, or a celebration. |
| Resources | Donating gently used items, supporting a cause, or buying groceries for someone in need. |
What matters most is the heart behind the giving. A warm smile and a sincere conversation can be more powerful than a check or a donation.
The Power of Mentoring
Mentoring is one of the most transformative and lasting forms of service. It’s relational, intentional, and deeply impactful. Whether formal or informal, mentoring allows you to pour into someone else’s life—sharing your wisdom, your lessons, and your faith.
Many older adults underestimate the value of their life experiences. You may not think of yourself as a mentor, but chances are, someone is already watching and learning from you. Your marriage, your work ethic, your faith, your health journey—these are all areas where others can benefit from your insights.
You can start mentoring by:
- Volunteering at your church’s youth or adult ministry.
- Spending intentional time with your grandchildren or younger family members.
- Partnering with local schools or adult education programs.
- Starting a small group Bible study or community wellness circle.
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to be present, humble, and willing to walk beside someone on their path.
Supporting Others Through Seasons of Life
Life has many seasons—some joyful, some painful. A generous heart is tuned to the needs of others, especially during difficult transitions. As someone who has navigated many of these seasons yourself, you are uniquely equipped to offer comfort, stability, and perspective.
Here are a few ways to support others meaningfully:
- During grief: Write a card, attend the memorial, or invite them for coffee without an agenda.
- During illness: Offer to run errands, prepare a meal, or simply sit and be present.
- During loneliness: Check in regularly with phone calls, notes, or visits.
- During celebrations: Celebrate others' wins with genuine joy, even if they’re small.
Our presence is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. People don’t need perfect words—they just need to know they’re not alone.
Obstacles to Generosity & How to Overcome Them
We all have moments when we feel we have little to give. It’s easy to believe we’re too old, too tired, or too limited in resources. But that’s not how God sees us.
Here are some common barriers and gentle ways to move past them:
| Obstacle | Truth to Embrace |
|---|---|
| “I don’t have much energy.” | Even small acts, like sending a card or praying for someone, have great impact. |
| “I’m on a fixed income.” | Generosity isn't measured by money. Your time, wisdom, and encouragement are priceless. |
| “I don’t know where to start.” | Begin with prayer: “Lord, show me one person I can serve today.” |
| “I’m not as capable as I used to be.” | Your experience, empathy, and listening ear are more needed now than ever. |
Service isn’t about being perfect or capable—it’s about being willing and faithful.
Practical Steps to Living a Life of Service & Generosity
Ready to take a next step? Here’s how you can start right now:
Reflect:
- Who in your life could use encouragement right now?
- What gifts, passions, or experiences do you have that could bless someone else?
- How does God want to use you in this season of life?
Act:
- Choose one person to serve or reach out to this week.
- Volunteer once a month (in person or virtually) with a ministry or nonprofit that aligns with your heart.
- Write down 3 small ways you can be generous this month—then do them.
- Invite a younger person for coffee and offer to be a listening ear.
Connect:
- Join or form a “Service Circle” through your church, neighborhood, or online community where people commit to serving together and supporting one another.
Conclusion: You Still Have So Much to Give
Living with a heart of service and generosity doesn't require youth, wealth, or perfection—it requires availability. When you open your heart and hands to others, you not only bless them—you reignite your own sense of purpose and joy.
Your story, your prayers, your time, your love—they are needed in the world right now. God is not finished with you. In fact, some of your greatest contributions may be just ahead.
Let’s live generously, mentor with grace, and support others with compassion. The world is better when we choose to give from the heart.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of this life and the abundance You’ve given me. Show me today where I can be generous, who I can support, and how I can serve with joy. Use me to bring light and hope to those around me. Amen.
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Spirituality: So Many Definitions
Spirituality is a topic many people might have difficulty defining. It is only a church thing? Is it greater concern with the soul than material possessions? (Oxford Dictionary) Is it the deepest values by which people live? (Wikipedia) Is it pondering ideas that take us beyond ourselves or is it the meaning of life? Is it all of these things and more? How do you achieve spiritual growth?
Today, many people talk about being spiritual rather than religious. Being religious to some has the meaning of following rules whereas spiritually is more self-directed pondering of the universe. What is the point of all of it?
Being more aware of what it is important in your life or what the purpose of your life is can be considered being spiritual. In the world of a Christian, spirituality most often means how one lives in response to Jesus and what his life, death, and resurrection mean to a believer.
Even longtime Christians can sometimes feel that their relationship with Christ has run dry or seems distant. We may at times feel that God is distant from us because of the trials of life we are experiencing. Loss, grief, and hurt can make us feel depleted spiritually. We feel alone. It is at these times we feel an increased need to grow spiritually. Therefore, we want to reignite the connection that brought us to a belief in Jesus.
But what do we do? How we recapture that sense of the presence of Jesus in our lives?
10 Steps to Spiritual Growth
In no particular order (except the first one), let’s take a look at 10 ways to grow spiritually.
- Desire Change.
The first step on any journey or time of growth is the commitment to wanting something different. If you are seeking to grow spiritually, then you are effectively saying you need a change. This is the biggest step. Therefore, recognizing the need to change and committing to it is the first step.
- Develop a Sense of Gratitude.
Pick the 5 best parts of the day and write them down every night. These do not need to be big and some days you may feel there is nothing to be thankful for. I am tempted to suggest on those days, find 10. It may be small. You may find a new tube of toothpaste when you thought it was all out or your phone rang and it wasn’t a recorded telemarketer, but a friend. You may see the first signs of Spring or someone smiled at you in the grocery store. Whatever brought a bit of joy to your life, write it down.
- Spend Time in Nature.
Today happens to be one of the most beautiful days of the year so far. 72 degrees, barely a cloud in the sky, a light breeze. What a glorious day to be outside. Even if the weather isn’t perfect spend some time outside. Our bodies need Vitamin D. Even though milk is fortified with it, nothing is like soaking up the sun to make some of your own. So enjoy this time spending time with God in creation. The beauty of nature is a gift from God. Embrace it! Enjoy it!
- Start Every Day with Prayer.
As you wake up from what was hopefully a good night sleep, say a prayer of thanksgiving. Ask for guidance for your day. Remember the special people in your life before the Lord. (Similarly, pray before you sleep. Thank God for the good in your day.)
5.
Ask God to Make You a Blessing.
This is one way to live beyond yourself. Often we spend so much time focusing on ourselves we lessen the importance of people around us. We miss out on connecting to others. We can strengthen our relationship with God by blessing others.
6. Choose a Book of the Bible to Read and Study.
There are many ways to go about reading the Bible. For example, you can begin at the beginning of Genesis and read straight through to Revelation. You may read through the New Testament and then the old. Or you may skip around from book to book. You may follow a lectionary. But choose a place to begin and read through that book. Read it again. Then, perhaps read it through out loud (in one sitting if it is relatively short). Study the context, the author, the recipients, the setting. Learn the history. Really dive in. Additionally, there are countless resources for studying every book of the Bible in-depth. If you would like some suggestions, please ask in the comments.
7. Pause and Reflect
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Next, take time to understand where you are in your spiritual journey. Look at where you were and how far you have come. Or recognize that you have gone in a direction that you regret. Then reset your sails for a better destination. Life is a journey and the spiritual life is not different. Making that decision and commitment is the start. Take time to note your progress. Confess your back sliding and recommit to move forward.
8. Don’t Fear Mistakes.
A commitment to grow spiritually is not one where you can expect perfect growth. Everyday events take their toll. Life is filled with challenges and everyone makes mistakes. Sometime our mistakes come from a desire to jump head first and dive into something and we are not yet ready. Sometimes we just really blow it with a loved one. The only way to not make mistakes is to stay stagnant and never grow. Now that is one mistake perhaps we should fear. As for the rest, move forward.
9. Give Your Burdens to God.
Oh, this is easier said than done. As a mom, I try to give my concerns about my kids to God. Although, I always seem to want to grab them back. One night I was worried about my son driving home late at night, and I realized that God loves my son more than I ever could. Seems incomprehensible to me sometimes, but God really does. We are taught to turn our worries over to God. Lay them at the foot of the cross. Trust God.
10. Start Small.
As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither was a deeply spiritual life. Start small. Do not over-commit. You do not need to read the Bible through in a week, pray for two hours a day, or fast every Tuesday and Thursday. And you especially do not need to do these things right away. Perhaps start with #2 and write in a gratitude journal. Then adopt another one of these suggestions. Then another. See your spiritual life become more enriching.
There are so many other ways to achieve spiritual growth regardless of our age or situation.
Share your favorite ideas for growth. Let’s grow in love with God together.
