"Give Thanks IN All Circumstances"
This quote from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 used to give me pause. How can we be thankful for everything that happens in life? I mean some of the events, people, or circumstances that occur frankly inhale rapidly with force. In the last 30 days we've lost a family member, struggled with aging parents, & had a vacation canceled unexpectedly. None of these are good things. That leads back to the unanswerable question of "why?" or even more expectantly "Why God?" Yet, the words say to "give thanks IN all circumstances" - NOT FOR the heartaches we encounter. So even in the midst of life gone wrong, we focus on what is in our hearts, or simply in the beauty that surrounds us. A baby's laugh, the contrast of a bright red tree against a cloudy November day, or the splash of sunset colors across the sky - each treasure can lighten the spirit and illuminate the soul. So we can be thankful even in the midst of trial or hardship. On this year's day of Thanksgiving, I wish you those tiny treasures amongst the trappings of food and feast. Blessings.
