A season of joy — and remembrance

An article by Rachel Thompson

One of the hard things for me this time of year is learning how to fully enjoy the gifts in front of me—family, food, friendship, hope, and peace—while not forgetting those who have so little to enjoy.

How do I celebrate when so many experience suffering every day on a scale I can hardly imagine? How do I reconcile my gratitude with their grief?

For me, the answer lies in a few simple but meaningful ways.

First, I try not to forget them.

I don’t want to become so wrapped up in my own blessings that I forget others’ pain. I don't want to lose awareness that millions are without a home, food, safety – and Jesus. Remembering matters. It keeps my heart awake and guards me from living as though my experience is the only one that counts.

Second, I let that remembrance lead me into prayer.

Prayers of compassion. Prayers of intercession. Prayers that God would be merciful, present, and powerful in places of deep suffering. And ultimately, prayers for salvation—for hearts to encounter the hope found in Jesus.

Third, I try to allow their reality to humble me and move me to action.

I didn’t earn the life I’ve been given. The tables could easily have been turned. When I realize how much I have, I’m compelled to ask: What can I do? Sometimes that means giving resources. Sometimes it means giving up comfort—even skipping a meal—to remember, pray, and realign my heart. And always, it means striving to live a life whose actions embody godly care and concern:

"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49

Heaven forbid that I ever stop caring and taking action for people in physical and spiritual poverty.

In the end, I've come to realize that enjoying God’s gifts and caring deeply about the suffering of others are not opposing realities. When held together, they can shape a life marked by gratitude, compassion, humility, and action.

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