Thankful Thursday

There are so many things for which to be thankful.  Being thankful for things today just does not feel right.  Lately the scripture I have been reading has focused on being thankful in all circumstances, a concept with which I wrestle.  According to the scripture that I have read recently, Christians should be thankful in everything-the good--and yes the bad.  

A few years ago I had an unfortunate accident while white water rafting in which I broke my leg.  I was not thankful for this situation, in fact, I was about as far from thankful as one could get.  I was angry and in pain--a difficult combination of feelings.  The athletic sense of pride in me was humbled by the fact that I could not walk the simplest of activities in my mind.   I became dependent upon my husband and my daughters for most everything.   Over time, I began to develop a sense of awareness and concern for others who lacked mobility-- permanently.  My leg would heal in twelve weeks, but others I met, would not be healed. 

Unfortunately, I did not "rejoice always" or "consider it pure joy" as the scripture below encourages. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-4 (NIV) ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18(NIV) ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Today, I can be thankful for how the difficult situations have taught me lessons I might not have otherwise learned.  I can pray that I start to be thankful during all circumstances in the future. 

One last verse for today that is thought provoking…

John 16:33   I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart: I have overcome the world.