Pause

It is easy to not be thankful. It is easy to find reason to be upset about something that is wrong in our life – easy to be mad or bitter or find something that isn’t fair for us - easy to feel selfish and be needy. Sadly, it is hours before the turkey meets its fate in the oven, and I am here at work – the only soul on my hallway, and I’m finding reason to get upset about it and move that attitude into the rest of my life and start longing for things and feeling alone.

But I’m sitting here and I’m forced to stop.

You see, I’m here…working. I have a job and even though I have a degree and could be making more money somewhere than this temporary holding, it is a job that provides and allows me to pay bills. And I look around at my desk and see the spoon that I used to eat my yogurt this morning and I’m thankful that I can eat breakfast at work because I was running late from sleeping in my bed for too long. I have my phone in sight – reminding me I have friends and loved ones that call me and I can call them. They are there to encourage me and be there for me and I for them. And when I go home today, I’ll be met by my loving family who accepts the fact that I don’t have the best taste in music, can be too sensitive at times, and crabby when I’m tired, yet they love me unconditionally and will always bring joy and love to my life no matter how little I express that to them. I look at what I’m wearing - my bargain military green coat from Forever 21 – did I really need the coat? No. Is it cute and that is why I bought it? Yes. I’m thankful for it though because it is warm, and this selfish purchase reminds me that I have more than enough and that my Savior provides and blesses me beyond measure. And those moments where I am selfish or unhappy with life circumstances….I can look at them and know there is a greater God who is not limited by my shortcomings. He is molding me into who He has called me to be despite the fact that I have rejected Him time and time again. I’m thankful because the Lord is my Provider, Comforter, Healer, Father, Redeemer, Protector, my Everything, and I am blessed and forever thankful to be called his child.

Psalm 30:12
That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!