Bittersweet Praise

I had the tremendous gift of knowing all my grandparents, and for Thanksgiving, I’d like to share a memory of both my grandfathers.

My Grandpa Ray was a sweet man. Whenever something hard or frustrating came up, he’d raise his hands to shoulder height, palms up, and say, “Praise the Lord anyhow.” I can see him now, throwing up his hands with a grin on his face, turning a moment of difficulty into an opportunity for praise.

Another cherished memory is spending time outdoors with my Grandpa Paul. He had a deep love for nature and taught me so much about plants and the outdoors. I remember walking in the woods with him, watching as he pulled out his pocketknife to collect cuttings of bittersweet vines. The vines, with their bright red berries bursting out of orange star-shaped shells, became beautiful decorations on mantles in the fall and winter.

November is often called the month of thankfulness—a time to gather the blessings in our lives: family, home, job, and the many other gifts that bring us joy. Yet, thankfulness isn’t always easy or straightforward.

I recently heard someone say that bitterness is one of the most destructive feelings a person can hold. Left unchecked, bitterness can sever relationships and hinder the good we can do, including our faith and witness.

I’ve walked through times of struggle, trial, and deep suffering. If you haven’t experienced something similar, you have much to be thankful for. But I believe that until you’ve been shaken to your core—by betrayal, fear, or worry—you may not fully grasp the depth of a bittersweet thanksgiving.

So how do we take our suffering—past or present—and glean the good, the bittersweet lessons that foster a foundation of thankfulness?

The Apostle Paul spoke of rejoicing in suffering, but when you’re in the depths of despair, heartache, or anger, that’s no small feat. I’ve been there. I walked a very difficult road for years with my husband, one that left me in a dark, despairing place emotionally.

I remember one particular day when I felt completely overwhelmed, thinking, I can’t take any more—I’m at my end. As I walked down the hall of my home, I turned to go up the stairs. Suddenly, I heard my Grandpa Ray’s voice, as clear as day: “Praise the Lord anyhow!”

By then, Grandpa Ray had long since been promoted to Heaven, but that moment marked a turning point for me. It was then I learned what it meant to offer a sacrifice of praise.

During those trials, I found that praising the Lord—whether in song, prayer, or simply lifting my hands—laid the foundation for a thankful heart. It wasn’t easy. Many times, I praised with tears streaming down my face. I wasn’t happy, but I experienced joy, peace, and thanksgiving in those sacred, bittersweet moments.

Here are some ways to foster a thankful heart, even in times of struggle—or to deepen your gratitude for what God has done as He’s brought you through:

1. Praise the Lord anyhow. Turn to Scripture, music, and prayer, and raise your hands in praise.

2. Remember Christ’s suffering. We share in His sufferings, and through Him, we can ask for the strength to endure. He will provide it.

3. Know you’re not alone. Reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, pastor, or counselor.

4. Journal through your trial. Document your journey, as it will be a resource to look back on. Gems of growth and gifts of grace often rise out of the ashes.

5. Reflect on bittersweet lessons. Look back at past struggles and recognize the growth, good, and gifts God has brought from them.

   
   

Your bittersweet gift and sacrifice of praise will one day be a beautiful testimony to share with others.