1922) I was raised in a home with parents who considered being thankful an important thing. When we received gifts or were handed something at the dinner table, a “thank you” became an automatic thing.

Most of us can see the good of teaching and learning this skill, but have you ever considered that some things we need to be thankful for takes faith to do it? What do I mean?  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in ALL circumstances– good and bad. Does this mean we relish the bad things that come our way? No. I think it means we reframe these bad things with an understanding that God has allowed it for good.  

I know we can get bogged down in the theology of all this topic can bring, but learning to see things that come our way as good, somehow, someday, takes faith.  

  It starts with small things. Why is the idiot driving 20 MPH in front of you? Give thanks. Have you considered that being slowed down could have prevented you from being in the pathway of a careless driver who would have hit you?  

To large things. I’ve lost my medical insurance. What am I going to do? Give thanks. In this example, a new job was offered within days that came with insurance.  

Trusting that God has got everything under his control should be a moment to thank him for each thing. It truly takes faith to do this, but once you get used to looking for the good, or realizing the good that may be seen later, it becomes easier.