Have you found yourself in a season that seems to clash with the current one? Discover how embracing two things at the same time is possible.

Have you discovered yourself in a mood that seems to clash with the current season? Maybe the “Happy” in Thanksgiving appears to be fading quickly as one more unexpected thing begins to happen. It is not too late to salvage the season. Embracing two very opposite things at the same time is possible.

My Thanksgiving Plan Gone Awry

Due to a water leak, we had no choice but to repipe the house in November 2018. The timing couldn’t have been worse; after all, it was my year to host my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving.  As I looked around our home, the walls jumped out at me in disgust.

Everywhere my eyes darted, I could see rough, patched-up walls, and it was quite apparent the inside of our house desperately needed to be painted. We quickly went on the hunt for a good painter who could somehow fit us in.  

Aha, we found a painter available, but the only catch was – it would be the week before Thanksgiving. Of course, we said yes. 

I love to do BIG projects right before a gathering. Don't you? Isn't that when we reorganize the closets that no one will ever see? Or clean out the Tupperware drawer in case someone helps with cleanup. #gratitude… Click To Tweet

Yes, it could have waited. Without a doubt, my family could have cared less what my house looked like; they only wanted to be together. But no, that is not how we seem to roll around here.

A Glimmer of Hope

On Monday, I was thrilled to see the men were finishing up the central part of the painting, which meant I could get in there and start working. I put on my superwoman cape and went to town to clean alongside my husband. We kicked it into overdrive, moving all the furniture and things back in their place and wiping up the mess.

After all, doesn’t everybody clean before the professional cleaners come?

I was feeling pretty pleased with my ability to get things done, and then it happened.

First, the little tingling sensation in my face, a bit of nausea coming over me, and sounds began to amplify. I tried hard to pretend I wasn’t aware of what was happening, but then boom, a full-blown migraine –  the kind you can’t wish away. What kind of timing is this?

A Habit of Embracing Gratitude

But no worries, I had been on a mission all month, “Embracing thirty days of Gratitude.” No way was a headache going to take me down. I anticipated the migraine due to the paint smell most likely being a trigger. Quickly I turned to my – two things can be true attitude and sprinkled it with gratitude. 

Two opposite things can be true. Sprinkle it with gratitude and what a change it can make. # gratitude Click To Tweet

Sure, a headache was an annoyance and would create the need to rest a bit.  But I had years of experience treating my migraines and knew it would only be a short detour thanks to some great meds that help. So, I wisely called it a day, allowing my body and brain to pause, knowing tomorrow would be a new day.

One More Unexpected Happening

As the sun began rising the next day, I was raring to go. I headed to the outside refrigerator to move the turkey and Costco items from one fridge to the next. As I stepped into the garage, something seemed odd; however, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. There was a stillness in the garage that seemed peculiar. Oh, well, I couldn’t dwell on it; after all, there was lots to accomplish and only a few hours left before our company would arrive. 

Grabbing the handle to the fridge, I pulled it open, and to my dismay, it was dark as could be.  I almost immediately broke out in a scream.  “Noooooooo, this can’t be happening.” The fridge my husband wanted to get rid of quit working. How could this be?  

Have you ever noticed when one thing starts to unravel, it all seems to go?

I marched back upstairs, holding back my tears, and stated to my husband, “BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE, and I must be BAD.”

With a confident tone, he made a gallant attempt to assure me I wasn’t bad. He then headed straight to the garage to survey the damage.  Of course, I followed his footsteps, peering around him as he began putting his hands on our turkey. He looked back and  stated, “Maree, it’s fine; the turkey is still a little cold.” His words brought me no comfort. There was no way I was going to cook, serve, and endure the hours afterward, waiting to see if our twenty guests would fall ill.

Now, our family has had their fair share of unexpected happenings much larger than a turkey gone bad, migraines, a house that needs painting, or water leaks. We would consider each of those small inconveniences unimportant in the big scheme of life.

However, many times it’s the small unexpected things in life that seem to overwhelm me and steal my peace. At first, it baffled me until I took a closer look and observed my approach was quite different.

Do the small unexpected happenings in life tend to bewilder you? Why?

The Small Stuff in Life

For me, the reason is simple. When it comes to the small annoyances in life, I tend to attempt them in my strength, not God’s.

Does this sound at all familiar, or am I the only one?  

Plus, my morning time with God had been skipped altogether in my pursuit to accomplish the tasks at hand. Somehow, I justified God could take a back seat for a little bit since surely I could handle this small stuff on my own. 

This lack of time with God, in turn, left me with no sense of peace as one thing after another kept happening. I could only see the malfunctioning refrigerator had ruined our dinner, time was short, and life all of a sudden felt overwhelming.

But when we switch to being aligned with God and sitting still with Him, life is more manageable, even in the little things. Add a habit of practicing gratitude, and it will make it easier to see beyond our current circumstances.

Maybe it isn’t a dumb turkey or a house in disarray, which has you overwhelmed and unable to see two things that can be true. It could be something painful like an empty chair around your table this holiday season. I get it. We will have an empty chair too,  and it hurts.

We must not dismiss our pain, but instead, embrace it and be on the lookout for the other truth in our situation. 

Two Opposites Can Be True

  • Tears can flow, and laughter can be present.
  • Sadness can exist, and joy can abound.
  • An empty chair will hurt; however, we can delight in people who are near. 
  • Circumstances can be harsh, and gratefulness exists.
  • We don’t like certain foods, and other dishes will be delicious.
  • Our homes may not be perfectly put together; however, we have room to gather.
  • Our lists may remain unfinished; however, look at what we accomplished.
  • The turkey is useless, and we have the means to replace it this year.  
  • We can put “happy” into Thanksgiving, even with sadness in the mix.
  • Our hearts may ache for those in heaven, and we can embrace those we love here who are living.
  • Yes, it can be fall and winter all at the same time.

What Helps Us Embrace Two Things at the Same Time

When We Start Our Day with God

God will give you the hope, peace, and strength you need to embrace today. When our eyes are fixed on Him, we can persevere through any unexpected event, big or small. 

Recognizing Two Things That Appear Opposite Can Coexist

Remembering that pain and joy can exist at the same moment is a truth worth grabbing. Knowing and believing one will not cancel the other out. 

Counting Our Blessings

Become a gratitude seeker and count those blessings. Click here if you missed our post on “Why Embrace Gratitude in the Midst of the Unexpected?”  Or here to read “How to Embrace Gratitude in the Midst of the Unexpected.” Both articles will help you to begin counting your blessings even when things go awry.  

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

(Colossians 4:2)

Two Things Can Be True at the Same Time

What two things will you be embracing this season? 


I wish you an incredible Thanksgiving season, even in the midst of the unexpected. I hope you will join me in embracing sadness with joy this season. One does not have to cancel the other out. 


Embracing 30 Days of Gratitude

Discover how unlocking the power of thankfulness can help draw you closer to God and bring more joy into your life! Our 30-day gratitude workbook includes daily gratitude prompts, scriptures/quotes, and a place to record your thoughts. Available free during November 2023.


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36 Comments

  1. We’re getting ready to have our pipes replaced – leaks are starting. Who ever heard of having to replace water pipes? And I so understand how it’s the little things that break “the camel’s back” – so to speak. We’re having a full house this year, but not everyone will be here. Thankful for those who will be sitting around the table with us. We have 4 extra in our house (including a baby and 3 year old) for a few more weeks until their new house is ready – so there’s more chaos, more noise – and I am so blessed that it is there because I recognize that it won’t always be like this, especially when our two college student sons graduate. Overwhelmed and heart overflowing are probably my two opposites! I’m gathering the good things and letting the other stuff go! Blessed! Happy Thanksgiving, Maree! ~ Maryleigh

    1. Maryleigh,

      Thank you for sharing your two opposites. I hope your Thanksgiving was extra special. The extra chaos sounds wonderful but yes, a little overwhelming too.

      Sorry about your pipes. I hope the damage to replace them isn’t too bad.

      Maree

  2. Maree,
    Like you, I’ve told God to climb in the backseat a time or two, because I thought I could handle _____ on my own. Wrong! I have found during this COVID season that I have to spend time with God and in His Word early in the day, every day. It’s become my non-negotiable. This Thanksgiving, I will be filled with gratitude for my bountiful blessings, but at the same time sad for the continuing strained relationships with my two grown children.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    1. Bev,

      I hear you, and I am sending prayers for you right now. I, too, will be counting my blessings and sad for the family members who won’t be with us. I am so glad you have time to spend with God in the morning. It is the best, isn’t it. For the most part, it is my non-negotiable, but of course, once in a while, I deviate, and I always regret it. Happy Thanksgiving! Maree

  3. Your story reminded me of a water issue we had once at Thanksgiving. We had 20 guests at our house and no water! Thank you for reminding us that it is God’s strength that gets us through crises, not our own.

    1. Oh no, that must have been so challenging to be without water. I agree it’s all God that gets us through. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Maree

  4. Thanks Maree, the article is great. I totally understand what you are trying to say. My problem is a lack of joy. As far as I know joy is a result of things being and going well, not a choice. Joy comes from a life that has purpose and meaning. Life without purpose and meaning isn’t a blessing. What is a blessing? A blessing is something that makes life better and or easier. Counting “your” blessings, what does that mean? Can you count something as “your” blessing if it is given to everybody? Air to breathe is not a blessing for just me. If God gives something to everybody then is it actually a blessing? What I do know is that a life without purpose, meaning, skills, talents, family, friends, hope, love, God (always absent and silent), isn’t a blessing. Just being alive isn’t a blessing. I am not saying that you or your article are wrong, just that not everyone has a blessed life. No offense but I find that most people that say “count your blessings” are people that have multiple blessings. People with family, people with friends, people with skills and talents, people with purpose and or meaning, people with the resources to help poor people, and people whose life God is actually involved in. I want a life with joy, but have nothing that brings joy to my life. Thanks for your post(s), muchly appreciated. I look forward to finding them in my inbox. May God Bless You, in Jesus name, Amen.

    1. Kenneth,

      I always appreciate your honesty in your comments. Even when you might disagree, you are always so encouraging, and it means the world.

      Thank you for sharing where you are at. My heart aches for the place you are at. I can’t imagine living void of joy or blessings. It has to feel awful. I won’t fire back with solutions, but I will answer the questions you presented.

      What is a blessing? Wow, that is a hard one to put into words. I think a blessing can be as simple as a bird chirping, something that makes your life better, a gift God bestows on you, health, a word of encouragement, a smile from a stranger, etc. However, I do believe we have to choose to see it and count it.

      Can you count something as “your” blessing if it is given to everybody? Absolutely. However, everyone won’t count it because they aren’t looking. Once it is taken away, then they may realize what they had.

      If God gives something to everybody, then is it actually a blessing? Yes! Again, He has given many things to all of us, but only some will choose to see.

      I agree that people who say, “count your blessings” appear to have been blessed by much. But don’t let that fool you. My guess is they, too, have had hardship and have traveled through the dark. I know it is true for me. Because of struggle, hardship, and tremendous pain, I see more blessings. But it is a conscious decision to look and find the blessings. It started as a choice, then became a habit, and it requires me to slow down and be present in the moment. I don’t always do it well. But I have found having an attitude of gratitude leads to more happiness and joy but not the other way around.

      We are more than halfway through our 30-day gratitude challenge on social media. I would love to have you join us. There is also a downloadable workbook.

      Blessings and prayers,

      Maree

  5. So often life is conflicting emotions. And we do need to embrace the two at the same time. I have been thinking of this a lot this month. You put words to some of my thoughts.

  6. Migraines 🙁 Bless your heart! I used to have them a lot until I cut sugar out of my diet. This was such an encouraging post, Maree. Thank you!

    Tweeted.

    Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

    1. Patsy, Wow, I am impressed you cut out sugar. That might be the next thing I tackle. Right now, I am giving up diet coke. Thank you for sharing. Maree

    1. You made my day. I am so glad my post resonated with you and it was worth r3ading twice. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Blessings, Maree

  7. Yes….I have lost a lot….but gained a lot.
    I have a job and a home. Before…I was in despair living with unlovely people who shows no hospitality and wanted me gone from their home …even threatened to call the police when I could not leave right away…But God provided a home and a job .
    I thank God that He is greater than us humans.
    Humans including friends can be cruel, mean, and unmercifull.
    Do you know why, they have let the poison root of bitterness take over and defile many. They have become angry and lash out at others.
    I thank God that by His grace, I am determined not to be a bitter, angry, and ungrateful woman.
    Proverbs says to stay away from people like that.

    1. Kalyani – I am so glad you are not bitter, and you can see all the good in your life. I feel sorry for the people who hang on to anger and bitterness. They, seem so unhappy. I too am so grateful for the good in my life. Blessings, Maree

  8. I love this, Maree. I really need it right now! I’m actually 12 weeks pregnant, and I’m very sick with hyperemesis gravidarum. I basically can’t get off the couch or out of the house and spend hours on the bathroom floor. It’s plain old hard. Today’s reading reminded me that just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it isn’t still so so good… a blessing in the waiting. Thank you!

    1. Stacey – Yes, you do have a “blessing the waiting.” What a wonderful way to put it. I am praying for you right now. I am so sorry you are so sick. It does sound awful but glad you can count your blessings too. Praying for some relief today. Maree

  9. Really enjoyed this! I am very guilty of letting the small things overwhelm me and looking at only the one thing and not embracing both truths. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    1. Angela, It is easy to let the small things get to us. However, it always seems to take me by surprise. Blessings, Maree

  10. Thanks for sharing this! I appreciate your insight. The theme of this is very similar to another blog post I just read recently. I think God may be trying to tell me something?! Coming over from Holley’s linkup #27

    1. Bethany – I love it when God comes at us with a message in many ways. It helps me to stand up and listen. Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Blessings, Maree

  11. Thank you for this encouragement, Maree. I especially love this – “Don’t dismiss your pain, embrace it but along with it be on the lookout for the other truth in your situation.” I need to remember they can coexist and I need to do it more often. Thanksgiving blessings and hugs to you!

    1. Thank you for pointing out what spoke to you. I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Blessings, Maree

  12. This is so true! I think we often feel joy and sorrow simultaneously. Seeking the blessings and embracing the good even in the midst of the challenges makes a big difference. I also liked your point that while we go to God with the big things the temptation can be to try to handle the smaller things by ourselves. I think that is the source of a lot of our stress.

    1. Lesley, I agree not going to God for the little things does add a lot of stress. Thank you! Blessings, Maree

  13. I love this! Not all the unexpected craziness you’ve had to endure, but your response! Your attitude is so contagious, and your ability to see the good in the midst of the crazy is refreshing! Praying for a smooth remainder of your Thanksgiving week! 🙂

    1. Kristen, You made me smile with your comment, especially with your clarification about the craziness. We did have smooth rest of the week.

      I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

      Blessings,

      Maree

  14. It’s that “peace which passes all understanding.” I like what Paul Tripp says, we live between the already and the not yet. All the promises of God are “yes and amen,” but we don’t see them all just yet. We live in 2 kingdoms at the same times and can have joy in the midst of loss, peace when chaos abounds. Thanks for this great post. I’m pinning and sharing.

    1. Donna, Thank you for adding to our conversation. I love the Paul Tripp quote.

      Yes, we do live in 2 Kingdoms. Thank you for sharing this post with others.

      I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

      Blessings, Maree