Christ Leads The Way

“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I have so much to be thankful for during this season where we recognize together all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us and not just during the time of the holiday, but every day.

It’s so easy to take for granted the simple things that we enjoy. There are many people who didn’t have the opportunity to wake up this morning. So, whether or not everything in our lives are as we want them to be, they could always be worse.

I know that I sometimes have to catch myself complaining and instead focus on the good in whatever situation is at hand. The Scriptures give instruction about this (Philippians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). So it’s one of those things that I have to put in extra effort to do on a daily basis. It’s easy to find something negative to say, but it takes work and thoughtfulness to emphasize the good. There’s always something for which to be thankful.

For instance, I may not have had the opportunity to spend time with my physical family on the holiday, but it gave me the chance to fellowship with my family in Christ. And everyone else in the family had the chance to be there – like the first semester college students who’d left home for the first time. That’s a blessing, and I’m thankful for it.

There are many people who miss their recent high school graduates who have left home, and some have a hard time letting go. My oldest niece left for college, and of course, I’d like a protective security detail of body guards with her everywhere she goes. That’s kind of extreme, yes, but you get the idea. A lot of parents do that in their own way when their children go off to college – calling their kids all throughout the day to check on them. When family is far away or leaves home for the first time, or any time, we miss them. So I’m thankful that those family members who don’t live at home were able to be there for the holiday.

I’m thankful that God has blessed me with two jobs. I don’t always feel like going, but some people don’t have one job and I could be one of them. If I have worked and rightfully earned wages, then give me the pay and what’s due to me. That’s what I say. Having a job allows me to say so. So, I thank God for work and the ability to work.

I’m thankful for you, my readers who support my blog and me in my writing – some who are angels of strangers that I have entertained unawares (Hebrews 13:2). Your comments, likes, and kindnesses are a blessing to my life, and I appreciate you!

I’m thankful for the hope of heaven. I’m thankful for peace and quiet. I’m also thankful for family (physical and Christian), lasting and meaningful friendships, God’s love and faithfulness, the Lord’s sacrifice, redemption and salvation that comes through the blood of Christ, people in the world who are good and working to make it a better place, and the Word of God that is a lamp to my feet and a light to the darkest of paths.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be good in health, just as your soul prospers […] You are showing your faith by whatever you do for the brothers, and this you are doing for strangers.” – 3 John 2,5

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