When my daughters were growing up, we had a daily dinner tradition in our home.
At the dinner table, each person had to mention at least one thing that had happened that day that they were truly thankful
for. Of course, we had to make rules to make sure that the "thankful things" were appropriate (for example, one
daughter could not be thankful that their sister got in trouble that day!), and sometimes we even assigned extra "thankful"
acknowledgements if a person had been extra whiny that day, but this tradition helped to reinforce the discipline of the mind
to look for the blessings in the day, and not just the difficulties.
It is difficult sometimes, during the craziness of every day, to see--and acknowledge--the
things that we should be thankful for. It is far easier to see the obvious struggles and challenges, than the sometimes
subtle blessings.
In I Thessalonians 5:18, it says, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus." It does not say sometimes give thanks, or when things are going well give thanks--it
says in everything give thanks. Find something to be thankful for, even in your hardest trials.
During World War II, Corrie Ten Boom and her family were arrested and sent to Nazi prison
camps because of their aid to the Jews. While at one camp, Corrie and her sister, Betsy, were put in a flea-infested
barracks. When Corrie started to complain about the fleas, Betsy reminded her of this verse, and suggested that they
pray and thank God for the fleas. Some time later, Corrie actually did thank God for the fleas, because the
fact that the barracks was flea-infested meant that the Nazi guards would not go in the barracks, therefore allowing the sisters
the ability to hold Bible studies.
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, remember to thank God for all of His blessings
in your life. We truly have much to be thankful for!
