As we approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded that every day we should give thanks to God. We should thank Him for everything, no matter how big or small it may be. One thing the pandemic has taught is nothing should be taken for granted. This is something we already knew, but being confined to our homes, unable to see or spend quality time with family, the loss of loved ones, and the unavailability of necessities, was a reminder to be thankful for everything because nothing is guaranteed. 

I am reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstance; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” It can be difficult to rejoice when things get rough, it can also be challenging to pray during the difficult times, but the smallest word in this scripture is also the most powerful word in the scripture. That word is IN. We were never told to thank Him FOR the circumstance, but to thank Him IN the circumstance. That one word makes it easier to give thanks amid all the heartache, pain, trouble and turmoil that we can endure. We can always find something to thank God for, because through it all, He is still good. In all situations we should pray that His will be done. We should trust that God knows what is best for us, because only He can see what the future holds.

Many people lost a lot during the pandemic, but on the other hand a lot of people gained. Through it all God still has a master plan far beyond what we can see, and He is still good. Even though several people experienced the loss of loved ones, there is still a reason to thank God. We can thank Him for having the opportunity to know and love that person for the time shared, thank Him for the impact and blessing they brought to our lives. God is still good. 

If God allowed you to wake up this morning, with the activity and use of all your limbs, organs functioning properly, clothed and in your right mind, then you have a reason to thank Him. Yes, you may wake up with a few aches and pains, but you are here. If you can get up, give yourself a shower and have running water, soap, towels, toothpaste, a toothbrush and deodorant, you have a reason to thank Him. If you have been given the opportunity to wake up and see your loved ones or can call them on the phone, then you have a reason to thank Him. If you have food in the refrigerator or in the cabinets, thank Him. It’s to the point that if you have toilet tissue, Lysol or rubbing alcohol, you better thank Him. You do remember it was a time those things were not easy to come by, right? Nothing should be taken for granted. 

Yes, it’s been rough for us all and it was truly something that we have never experienced before, but we made it. Lord we are so thankful! Just the mere fact that we are here, still standing through it all, we have a reason to rejoice, pray continuously and give God thanks IN all circumstances. Praying that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving