Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
-I Thessalonians 5:18, NLT
Ever notice how often we take our own health for granted until we get sick?
Maybe it is only me who does this? But I doubt it. Focusing on what we do NOT have is easier than seeing what we do and giving thanks.
Exercising our gratefulness muscles is a way to change this.
What can I give God thanks for in this moment? Food on my plate? A roof over my head? One incredibly true friend (or more)? A pastor who “gets it?” Breath in my lungs? The love my dog (or cat)?
One’s circumstances may be very tough. That is still not a valid excuse NOT to give thanks.
The Bible says, “all circumstances.” “All” means “all.”
When I worked end of life care, I was always impressed by how thankful, grateful people died. These people “finished well.”
They had peace in very difficult circumstances. They were literally dying after all.
Yet they found a way to give thanks for the little things in their lives. Maybe it was a visit? A song? A kind word? A gentle handling for the necessary cares?
That is the sort of end I want. In fact, that is the sort of LIFE I want now. I want to live my life in such a way that it exudes such peace, joy, love, and gratefulness.
And the secret to that sort of a life is practicing gratitude–even and perhaps especially–in difficult times (as well the good ones)!
