Giving Thanks

I received an email today with an excerpt I’d like to share. This is something we’ve learned long ago – to thank God for ALL things, both the good and the bad. We definitely have had to do this out of blind obedience to God at times and not because we felt particularly thankful, especially for difficult circumstances. I love how this is worded as if Jesus were talking directly to us and how being thankful for all things “removes the sting from adversity”. I thought it was appropriate for this Thanksgiving Day.

This is an excerpt from Jesus Calling, a devotional by Sarah Young. "Each day is written as if Jesus Himself were speaking to you. Because He is. Do you hear him calling?"

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience- at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heart-rending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain. Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to my thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity."

Ephesians 5:20; Psalm 118:1; Psalm 89:15

Jim has done okay this week. He had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and had some lab work done. His blood counts remain low as they expected. He is to return on Friday and if his counts drop more, he will need a transfusion. He is still dealing with a few side effects: an itchy rash on his leg, minor problems with his eyes, and occasional nausea. These should all continue to resolve. He is often cold and tired and has little endurance or stamina which is due to his low counts. We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving today with just our family. It was good to have a day to pause and give thanks to God for all the blessings He gives us. Here’s a picture of the Miller guys today at dinner.