Thankful

I met Don when I was working on a project for the MN Department of Human Services.  He was a kind gentleman, nearing retirement and always carried a smile.   Through conversation, we found we each loved Christ but additionally I found out he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  No cure, no remedy, the doctors had done everything they could.  What stands out was his view on his situation.  He said, “ I came to the point I could either feel sorry for myself or thank God and see this as just another challenge to my faith.”   Though I can’t remember now how he exactly said it, that was the basis of it.   Dying of cancer and yet he was thankful for it and simply saw it as another challenge to his faith.

Being thankful in all seasons, whether good or bad.  It is hard to be thankful when one is out of work and yet it is also easy to forget to be thankful when one has plenty.  In Colossians chapters 3 and 4, Paul reminds us numerous times to give thanks.  But why is thankfulness so important?

After college I went with Campus Crusade for Christ to Chile, to help start a new campus ministry in Concepcion.  There were 3 of us young men alone surrounded by a population that we could not communicate with.   How could we buy food?  Where do we buy food?   How do I ask for what I need and understand how much I owe for items?   I learned quickly that it wasn’t I who provided even the basics but God, my father.  My father who sees my coming and going, my lying down and running and has even the hairs on my head numbered.  How it changes the heart to know, the love He has for us, for me.       The heart can’t help but to overflow with thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:20 “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

But what about the bad, the cancer- how can one be thankful for that?  Remembering Don, he showed me that God is bigger than our ‘bad’ and He uses everything, all situations to not only shape us to be more like Christ but to bless others along the way.

So why is it so important?   Being thankful has taught me and reminds me of who is my provider, my protector, my life, my father.   It has and is changing how I view possessions, people, circumstances and time.   No, it is not always easy to give thanks but it reminds me that God has the reigns.

Blessings,

Bob