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It’s that time of year again for me… filled with birthdays, anniversaries, and the holidays — and they come around whether my heart is ready or not.

This last stretch of the year, from September through New Years, always feels especially tender. For me, my wedding anniversary was in September, my birthday falls at the end of October, and then comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the start of a brand-new year. It’s like an emotional marathon of memories, one special date blending into the next. Each one carrying its own joy, its own ache, and its own reminder of what once was — along with the quiet hope of what will be.

Maybe that’s where you are too, trying to navigate that mix of gratitude and grief. Smiling on the outside while your heart quietly whispers, “But he should be here.”

And that’s okay. You’re learning how to live in the in-between — the place where sorrow and sweetness often share the same space. Because even though these days still hold an ache, they also hold goodness. So much real, beautiful, right-now goodness.

Sometimes we just have to slow down long enough to see it.

• We see it in the laughter of our children or grandchildren.
• Maybe in the kindness of a friend who checks in.
• Or in the quiet peace that slips in when we least expect it.
• Sometimes we see it in the strength we didn’t know we had. And it’s just enough to face another day.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phillipians 4:8 (ESV)

When we fix our eyes on those things, we begin to notice how God’s hand is still all over our lives — even here, even now.

Cherishing the memories doesn’t mean you’re living in the past. It means you’re honoring the love that helped shape who you are today. Those precious memories aren’t holding you back; they’re part of the foundation you stand on.

And as you look ahead to what’s next, you can do it with a heart full of both gratitude and hope. Because even though life looks different, God’s goodness hasn’t changed.

Romans 15:13 says,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

That’s the promise we hold on to. He’s not finished with your story. He’s still writing new chapters — ones filled with hope, purpose, beauty, and yes, even joy.

So as the holidays approach, don’t rush yourself. Feel what you need to feel. Celebrate what you can. Hold close what was and make room for what’s still to come.

Because even in this space between remembering and rebuilding…Hope still rises.

Take a moment to pause and thank God for one small thing that is good right now. It might be the sound of laughter, a moment of quiet peace, or the steady strength that carried you through today. Every glimpse of goodness is a reminder that even in loss, He is still near, still faithful, and still working all things for your good.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for walking with us through this tender season. Thank You for the love that still lives in our hearts and for the hope that continues to rise, even in the ache. Help us see Your hand in the little things and to notice Your goodness in each new day You give us. Teach us to cherish what was while embracing what is still to come. Fill our hearts with peace and remind us that You’re not finished with our story yet.
In Jesus’ name, amen.