donforrester1947 posted: " Earlier this week, a dear friend commented on Thanksgiving with a reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." At face value, mo" Carpe Diem
Earlier this week, a dear friend commented on Thanksgiving with a reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
At face value, most of us tend to shy away from "giving thanks in all circumstances." As I write those words, I had a flash back to having received that counsel from a couple of guys I didn't know.
At the time, we were living in Fort Worth. In short order, I had a myriad of health issues that seemed overwhelming. It was during my second hospitalization for testing in a brief time. The spinal tap was figuratively not a piece of cake. Following the procedure, I was instructed to lie still and not move my head for an extended period.
So, I'm flat on my back and out of nowhere two guys show up, introduce themselves as being from the church we attended, and reminded me to be thankful in all things. They were there only briefly. I remember being thankful when they left.
My initial thought was that they were like the friends of Job. What I've come to learn is that any circumstances that motivate us to rely on the proven dependability of God always works in our best interest. The counsel provided me was sound, I just wasn't at a place where I could process to accuracy of what was being told to me.
A Scripture that is a suitable bookend to the concept is found in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Thanksgiving Day 2023, has come and gone. May the importance of living with gratitude and thanksgiving be a daily part of our walk. I took the liberty of posting a painting done by Wayne Terry. Wayne is a friend from the first grade and is an incredible role model for giving thanks in all circumstances. His life is filled with joy and thanksgiving.
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