There is an annual tradition in homes across the country. Family and friends gather around the table preparing to dine on a Thanksgiving Day meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. But before the feasting can begin, each person takes a turn telling everyone else what they are thankful for. Of course there is always the usual nod towards family, good food and other basic blessings. And occasionally we are entertained with Uncle Pete’s praises of the joys of Nascar or little Emily’s solemn gratitude for her pet hamster. It is much the same, one year after another. Some repetitive or amusing, some sincere; at times even making us take a closer look at our priorities.
As this years round table discussion rapidly approaches, I am for the first time thinking ahead as to what I will say. The past year has not only brought into sharp focus the things I am thankful for. It has also forced me to adjust my perspective. As I look back on the events in my past, there are so many that seemed difficult or even devastating at the onset, but have turned into something else quite wonderful in hind sight.
I am thankful that my mother had to undergo two kidney transplants, because it allowed her to minister hope to the patients on the transplant unit where she worked as a nurse. I am so very grateful that it took my husband and I over a year to find a church, because the first time we entered the doors of our congregation, we knew we were "home". I praise God that a dear friend was taken far away from me for a time that tested her greatly, because in the end her relationship with Christ was strengthened.
I am even glad that the Lord allowed us to come through a time of severe financial adversity. No, I don’t miss the desperation and fear that seemed to accompany those experiences. But it created a depth of understanding in me that has made me able to lend an ear to others in the same situation. I can relate to what they are going through and encourage them to wait on God for their deliverance as in Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
Some will ask, "Why should I thank God for the bad things that happen?" First of all, His word commands it. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." And we are to commit everything to Him, not just the easy stuff! As was recently suggested to me, we need to learn how to "keep our smiles in the trials." Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." God doesn’t allow us to skip over the storm. He takes us through it under His protection. Psalm 118:21 "I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation."
Another thing to keep in mind is that no matter how dire the circumstances seem to be from our human point of view, God’s plan is perfect and He alone knows "the end from the beginning" and His "purpose will stand…" Isaiah 46:10. How many times have we been in the midst of the storm and thought, "There is nothing good about this! I can’t think of a single thing to be thankful for." That may be true for the moment. But hold on to hope! If nothing else, thank God just for being God! Because if you abide in Him, there will come a day when the questions will be answered, the confusion will clear, and you will be able to say with all conviction, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever!" 1 Chronicles 16:34
Even now there are issues that cause a struggle in my mind and I wonder if any good can result. But when I remember how it usually works, I can start to look for the silver lining. There is actually an expectation as I anticipate how God will move this time and what wonderful outcome I will soon be thanking Him for.
