After a few meals of turkey around the table with family last weekend, I did some pondering on thankfulness. I consider myself a grateful person but I have noticed that when I complain it clouds my perspective on life. That’s the beauty of choosing to enter into thanksgiving – it brings a clear perspective.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:18
I might not be able to give thanks FOR every circumstance but I can give thanks IN all circumstances. If this is God’s will for you and for me then we can trust that He will pour out His grace upon us to do it.
Here are a few circumstances I have chosen to be thankful in and a few even thankful for:
- I grew up as an Air Force brat who moved around every few years which was very difficult but it opened my heart to meeting new people and created a sensitivity to those left out or not connected.
- In college I went through a broken engagement that brought me to my knees before the Lord and eventually to my husband.
- In my adult years I have stayed in the same location which hasn’t always been as exciting or flashy as new destinations but it has taught me contentment and faithfulness in the everyday.
- A houseful of strong personalities, me included, has kept me going to the Lord in prayer and in His Word often.
- My daughter went through thyroid cancer and a total thyroidectomy at the age of eleven. I have seen Kellie grow in her trust of Jesus and go through disappointment with her eyes on Him.
- Having gone to a Christian college it was difficult to see my son choose a secular college. I am choosing to give thanks as I watch my son learn to shine in darkness. (Isn’t that what we all should be doing? I’m gleaning from my 20 year old!)
- Ten years ago I witnessed my father-in-law pass too early from this life to eternity. As a family, we had the honor of celebrating an amazing man who left a legacy of faith for his family.
- Our family is now believing for the healing of our nephew and in this time of difficulty we give thanks to the Lord that He is with Daniel and that no matter what, Daniel’s name is written in heaven.
Life is full of many difficult and ordinary moments. When we don’t stop to give thanks to the Lord we risk missing His extraordinary presence tucked within each of those circumstances.
Two powerful phrases my husband and I taught our children were, “Will you forgive me?” and “Thank you.” Who doesn’t like to hear those words? In this generation of entitlement, I believe we need to get back to some basics of repentance and thanksgiving.
The book of Nehemiah records the return of a remnant of Israelites to Jerusalem after captivity in Babylon. Amidst opposition and rubble they took on the task of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah knew that it was only because the gracious hand of the Lord was upon them that the work was able to be completed. As he helped restore order, songs of thanksgiving were put back into their routine and it started with the leaders.
“And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.”
Nehemiah 12:24
As leaders in our areas of influence, we need to start the flow of thanksgiving – a holy pep rally – each of us responding to the other in resounding praise and thanks to the King of kings and the Lord of lords! He has done great things and there is more to come.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, along with celebrating the birth of Jesus, we can rejoice in the absolute truth that His death and resurrection made the way for us to the Father and eternal life.
You are worthy of praise Jesus; we give You thanks!
