You know that gift you open and then don’t know what to say because it really isn’t what you asked for, wanted, or could ever even learn to love? I’m talking about that dreaded (and very clichéd) sweater from Grandma, kind of gift.
I think that’s how we feel and react sometimes toward the things God sends us, or doesn’t.
Let’s be honest. Like the kid who only gets clothes for Christmas, we might give God that awkward half-hearted, half-smile and barely squeeze out a “thanks…” because it’s hard to be thankful for the bare necessities when we watch others receive an abundance of goods.
And I’m not just shaking my finger saying, “Be thankful for what you have because others have it worse than you,” and so on—you know those words; you have heard them many times.
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| Butterfly Wonderland, Scottsdale, Arizona |
Instead, think of it like this:
1 Thessalonians 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I know it’s silly to ask humans to be grateful for losses and heartbreaks and difficult circumstances, but I don’t think that’s what God requests, necessarily.
To me, true thanksgiving is being content, letting God do His thing in and for us instead of resisting and whining why.
May it help to remember the things the Lord gives us often build our character for the Kingdom we are going to when this one crumbles. These lessons and trials and the attributes we gain from them don’t always seem as valuable here in a materialistic world, but they’re the keys to our eternal homes one day.
On a lighter note (for all my fellow Americans), may all your tummies be filled, your homes be warm, and your laughter be boisterous today!
And may we gaze around our tables at the faces who have brought many memories and blessings to our lives, and be grateful, truly, in every thing and for every one.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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