Coping with Holiday Stress & Self-Care: Day 3

Prayers of Gratitude

During this season, many people talk about the blessings for which they’re most thankful. But the holidays can be challenging and elicit painful emotions for some families, especially families of children with chronic illness or disabilities. So why is expressing gratitude especially important for families with disabilities in what can be a difficult season? Here are 5 reasons that are important in our family:

1. Gives us new perspective
2. Improves our relationships and family functioning (including our marriage and connection with our children)
3. Protects our mental health and makes us more resilient
4. Brings us new hope and joy
5. Deepens our faith

These are two simple ways to express gratitude to God:

1. Say this simple prayer to yourself or before the family meal:

Our Father, thank you for ___________________________

2. When you are having difficulty thinking of something specific for which you’re grateful, these are some Scripture verses you can pray:

• “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 92:1).
• “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1).
• “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1).
• “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

What are your grateful for?

Learn more about How Gratitude Makes Special Needs Parents More Resilient

Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are celebrating 22 years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities will release in May 2024 by Baker Books. They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling.