Psalm 91:2: This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.

I spent Thanksgiving Day alone as I have for the last couple of years. I delivered my son to his father the night before so that he could spend the holiday with that side of his family. I received two invitations to join friends from church for dinner and I carefully explained that I was choosing to spend the day with the Lord. It makes some people very uncomfortable to think of someone being alone on a "family holiday", but thankfully, my friends seemed to understand and did not press me to accept.

I hope that it isn't pride that keeps me from joining other people's families for a holiday meal. I really do enjoy solitude and that can be hard to come by in my busy life. There are two or three days of the year when you can be fairly sure that you will not receive unimportant phone calls and Thanksgiving is one of them. I had a bible study workbook on spiritual warfare that I wanted to complete and I made it my goal to cover it completely in that one day of peace and quiet.

I deeply enjoyed my day. I did devour that bible study, spending about five hours in the Word throughout the day. I watched some Christian TV and listened to some nice music. I went online and visited a Christian chat room for a little while and read some good articles. I took a nap in the middle of the day and stayed up late into the night writing.

I never once felt sorry for myself. I never really even felt alone. I was truly spending the day with my Lord. Each time I sat back down to study I prayed that He would give me understanding and open my mind to His Word. I felt like He was enjoying the time with me as much as I was enjoying the time with Him.

I hate to admit it; I am a Martha most of the time. But, thank God, there is a Mary inside me as well and once in awhile she gets to come out and enjoy a day at the feet of Jesus.

If you find yourself at loose ends on a holiday, just follow your heart. Sometimes the last thing that we need is to be alone, so accept a friend's invitation if you want to or volunteer to help serve dinner at a nursing home or homeless shelter. On the other hand, if some solitude sounds good to you, embrace the opportunity to enjoy some intimate time with your Savior.

Father, please help me to trust You with all of my days, even the holidays that can be so hard for me to get through. Help me not to be bitter when I cannot be with my children. Please let me feel your presence and not feel alone. In Jesus Name, Amen.