We have a tradition with my kids to drop off food baskets for needy families during Thanksgiving.

We have a tradition with my kids to drop off food baskets for needy families during Thanksgiving.

This has been a great way to generally start the holiday season and help others.

Thanksgiving was our favorite holiday.

Until three years ago when everything changed.

My father had a heart attack and passed away on Thanksgiving.

Since then, we’ve had difficulty connecting to the holiday spirit because the pain of losing him is still there.

I often wondered why he passed away on Thanksgiving.

I felt that I didn’t just lose my dad; the joy of Thanksgiving was taken from us.

Yesterday, as we were dropping off the baskets, a woman came to us and told us that her husband had passed away three years ago from cancer, and they didn’t have any money to buy food when we knocked on her to deliver groceries.

Since then, she has known that God is always caring for them.

At that moment, I knew that this was no coincidence.

I needed to hear this to see how GOD uses everything to fulfill His purpose.

Even in our darkest moments, we can still do good.

I heard my father whispering in the air during my morning ritual meditation.

Be GRATEFUL in ALL THINGS.

That was my ultimate lesson from him.

I will still mourn his loss, but I’m finding JOY in being GRATEFUL for having him in my life.

Have a great THANKSGIVING, and enjoy the moment with your family.

My friend, You never know when they will be gone, so enjoy them daily.