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Earlier today after I started home from making a home visit with one of the elderly men of the church, I gave my wife a call to let her know where I was and that I should be home shortly.  When I learned that she was about to go pick up Addy from school where she had been practicing for an upcoming performance, I volunteered to do it for her since I was already out on the road.  We usually arrive about 4:30 to get Addy and then wait in line with other vehicles until our little performers come out.  But when I got there, there were no cars and Addy was nowhere to be seen.  I called Gale to see what was going on and to see if they had met at some other location.  She had no idea where the child was, so she made a few telephone calls but no one answered.  Feeling pretty sure that everything was alright but still trying to fight off a little anxiety about the situation, I sent her mother a text.  In a few minutes she called me and told me that she forgot to tell us that there was no practice today and she was at the daycare with her little sister.  What a relief!

Admittedly I was little aggravated about the mix up but I know that those things happen, so there was no need to make a big deal of it.  Above all, I was deeply thankful to know that our nine year old was safe and in good hands.

We probably hear 1 Thessalonians 5:18 referred to quite a bit this time of year:  “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (New International Version).  That might bring to our minds the challenge that we face of being thankful during the hard times of life; no doubt, those are included in the “all circumstances” mentioned in that verse.  But we would also do well to remind ourselves to be thankful in the little circumstances of life that can so easily pass by without us recognizing them as what they are—blessings from God. 

When we consider aspects of life that sometimes pass by without us being as thankful for them as we should be, perhaps one of the privileges that we fail to be thankful for enough is the opportunity to communicate with God in prayer.  In all our concerns in life, He invites us to turn to Him.  We are instructed in Matthew 7:  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (verse 7).

Over the years I have knocked on many doors while out visiting the sick and needy.  Sometimes a quick knock brings an immediate response as the door opens, but at other times there is a delay—often for only a few minutes, but at other times I have to return another day and knock again.  As we seek God in prayer, we have to bear in mind that sometimes in His great wisdom and plan there is an immediate answer, while at other times there is a delay.  Nevertheless, as His children, we can rest assured that He hears us, loves us, and will do what is best for us as we trust Him.  That communication with Him is something to be thankful for.

As we go through this Thanksgiving season, let us remember that sincere thankfulness has a way of brightening even dreary days.  Pay attention to those things—even little things–that might be slipping right before your eyes that you have failed to be thankful for.  We are blessed in more ways than we can count, so remember to “Give thanks in all circumstances.”  It will brighten your day!