Something To Be Thankful For
I don’t always look at the glass half full. If I’m being honest, some days I throw pity parties for myself. I work full time, have two toddlers, and currently live with my in-laws because we sold our house in the summer of 2021 and have yet to find somewhere to build our “dream” home. Today was one of those days. I was on my way back to work after having to leave to bring my 3-year-old son’s clothes to school because he is (almost) refusing to be potty trained and made a mess all over himself. All I wanted to do was cry; I’m exhausted trying to balance it all. Be a hands-on mom, a good wife, an understanding friend, and a hard worker. Every day there is a struggle getting out of my house because my kids don’t want to get dressed or go to daycare while mama and daddy work. I constantly fight with myself on how to handle these situations. I don’t want to be too harsh on them, yet I need to be stern enough that they recognize there are boundaries and rules they need to follow. They need to understand they can’t get their way about everything and the world does not revolve around them. I also want to be a positive influence on them but some days I lose my patience and raise my voice and then I think how am I ever going to be that role model for them. I’m sure I’m not alone in my feelings; life has a way of wearing on you and it eventually spills out on everyone around you. But it doesn’t have to. I recently heard a story on the radio of a young woman that survived cancer during the pandemic. During this time, she was not only fighting to save her life, but she was having to fight this battle alone. Her call was to spread the news of her gratitude to God and her thankfulness of a second chance at life. This made me stop in my tracks. I mean, here she was dealing with probably one of the biggest trials she has ever faced, yet she realized just how precious life is and was able to truly give God thanks for all of his blessings. At that moment I realized we all have something to be thankful for. Sure, most of us are fighting a battle of some sort (and in actuality mine are very minimal compared to some) even if we don’t show it, but we still have something to be thankful for. For me, I have two healthy children, a loving husband, and a roof over my head. I may have days that I feel beat down, but God has blessed me to wake up to a new day that will allow me to enjoy all of the wonderful things he has to offer.
While self-reflecting, I started thinking about different stories about thanksgiving in the Bible and I couldn’t help but think about Daniel. As a child, this story was taught many times with the focus on the miracle in the lion’s den. Now I am no expert, but I like to think I have a little more than general knowledge about the Bible, and now that I am older I think there is a bigger picture of Daniel than the one I was familiar with. Daniel is a story of influence, growth, and redemption, but it is also one of thankfulness. After some time in slavery, Daniel found himself at a place with prestige and power. Because of his exceptional qualities and his trustworthiness, the king (during this time) wanted Daniel in charge of the entire kingdom. Of course, this caused others to be jealous and because of the undermining and influence they had with the king, Daniel (along with the rest of the country) was forced to submit to the king and worship only himfor 30 days or be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel, whose belief and trust were in God, was at a crossroads between faith and fear. I’m not sure how thankful I would be in this situation of fighting for my life, but Daniel was. He thanked God not once, but three times a day, regardless of the consequences this would bring. Even when he looked death in the face, he continued to thank God. He recognized that no matter what was thrown his way, he would be thankful and give God the credit for his blessings.
I also think about the story of Hannah. Hannah was barren; she desperately wanted a child, yet she could not have one. She was often taunted by her husband’s other wife and had to carry around a burden for many years. Despite her situation, Hannah still prayed for a child. She even prayed with the promise of returning her child to God if he would only allow her to conceive. After many years, God permitted Hannah’s request, and just like she promised, Hannah gave the child back to God once he reached a certain age. To be honest, I think I would find myself angry in this situation. You begged for a child for years and after receiving this precious gift you have to return it; it just doesn’t seem fair. But Hannah did not feel this way. Instead of complaining, getting upset, and looking at what she HAD to do she chose to look at what she was ALLOWED to do and gave God thanks for answering her prayer.
I have found there are many stories in the Bible about being thankful. While each story is different, none of them is a picture-perfect fairytale. These people were faced with trials just like we are, yet they chose to thank God because they appreciated that notion that even the smallest offering deserves praise. I realize I have so much to be thankful for. When times are good, it’s easy to see, but when times are hard it is easy to get caught up in everything wrong, but there are still blessings to be thankful for. My goal is to take a new outlook on life and find something to be grateful for every day; whether it be something as big as a new job promotion or having a healthy child or as small as being able to enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning or a scoop of ice cream after a hard day’s work. I want to wake up and say “Thank You, God,” with true sincerity because there is always something to be thankful for.
What are you thankful for?
Bible verses to encourage you
1 Thessalonians 5 16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances
Psalms 9:1
I will give thanks to you Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Daniel Chapter 6
1Samuel 2: 1-2