Thankful No Matter What

November 13, 2014 | By Chuck

It's at this time each year that we all begin to consider all the things we're thankful for. I for one think that's great. I'm okay with a holiday that centers on giving thanks and being thankful for what you have. I think it's great that people are giving thanks for their blessings throughout the month of November. We all have far too many blessings to count and, if we're honest, far more than we deserve. The thing I'm curious about is are we thankful no matter what or are we only thankful for the good things in our lives? How many times have you read a post that says, "I'm thankful for the hardships and trials that I have endured this year because they helped me to grow closer to God and stronger?" I don't ever recall reading a post that even resembles that one on any day in November or any month of the year. I know we're all thankful for our relationship with God, our family and our health, careers and homes and rightfully so. We certainly should be thankful for all of those blessings and many more and never take them for granted. But does it require the positive and good things to bring out our thankfulness? I believe God wants us to be thankful no matter what. However bad things seem to be and whatever trials come our way, I believe we should still be thankful. Sometimes I learn the most helpful lessons from life's hardships and trials and for that, I'm thankful. Those tough times help me to lean on God and trust Him even more and for that, I am thankful. True thankfulness is being thankful no matter what. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."(I Thess.5:16-18)