“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:18
Hello, Thanksgiving! I love this time of year...don’t you? Crisp and colorful leaves drifting down from the trees, blazing fires to accompany the cool breezes, but most of all, I love this time of year because It makes me realize how blessed I truly am. Living in the United States (which I assume most of you readers are), there is SO much to be thankful for. Many of us have homes (and probably warm, toasty ones at that), clothes on our backs, food to eat (including epic Pringles as Kyla said ;), and people who truly, truly love us. With so much of everything, it’s easy to be thankful. But in our heart, are we truly thankful? Or do we just hop on the thankfulness bandwagon because we feel as if we are almost entitled to a wonderful life?
I found this poem and I thought it illustrated very well why we should choose thankfulness at all times. Even though it doesn’t rhyme (which I’m convinced all poems should), I think you’ll enjoy it.
“Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.”
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.”
-Author Unknown
Someone who has a truly thankful heart praises God at all times. Thankfulness should come as an overflow of praise to our glorious God, who owes NOTHING to us. This means even in the storms. So, when your life is less than okay, praise Him. When your loved one is hauled off to jail, give thanks. When your darkest hour closes in, glorify His name. As measly sinners, we don’t deserve anything. Let’s praise God in all situations.
That’s what it means to be truly thankful.
Wonderful post, Mary Kate. Since God has crafted everything beforehand for His glory and our good, we know that every circumstance is an event for giving thanks. Because, if it's a good thing, then it's good (obviously), and if it's a bad thing, then God is using it to sanctify you.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is an encouraging thought indeed.
Melody
http://thesongofthemaidens.wordpress.com/
Great post, Mary Kate. I've never read that poem before, but it is so insightful. It reminds me of what Ann Voskamp says, "All is grace."
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