Thankfulness in the midst of Life

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about our circumstances and the verses in scripture that teach us to be thankful in all circumstances.  Many friends are posting on facebook things they are thankful for.  I am grateful for their writings as they remind me; there is much to be thankful for.

Today, November 21^st, marks the 8^th anniversary of Larry’s car accident that changed his and our lives forever.  Life is not always fair, it is not always fun, it is not always as “we” want it to be.  But, our lives are an opportunity for us.  As a follower of Jesus, we are called to be His witnesses, whether it is in our own small town, or anywhere that we go.  So, to that end, we live this roller coaster ride, being a light in the darkness.

We are thankful that the LORD spared Larry’s life that fateful evening 8 years ago.  We are thankful the LORD has blessed us immeasurably with family and friends that have supported us.  We are thankful for all the financial, material and spiritual blessings we have received these past 8 years.  Life has not always dealt us a “good hand”, but the LORD has allowed us to shine like the sun for Him.  We shine for Him by having a thankful heart.

We have a thankful heart not for the car accident, not for the pain and suffering we have endured; but we have a thankful heart because we have His presence in our lives every minute of every day.  We know that He alone is sovereign over all things and that nothing is outside of His control.  So even though we face trials and tribulations aplenty, we can rejoice because we know we are not in this alone.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 have been my refuge and source of comfort these past 8 years.  I lean on them everyday.  “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I never have to worry about what the LORD’s will for my life is, I read these 3 small verses and I have my answer; thankfulness, in the midst of life.