Be thankful for the things you do have
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
It was Thanksgiving Day. I was awakened by the aroma of roast turkey, reminding me the once-a-year holiday was here.
My mother always got up especially early to start cooking an assortment of dishes for our holiday celebration. Amazing aromas filled our home and tantalized our appetites.
I made sure I didn't sleep too late, because I loved watching the parades on television. This particular Thanksgiving started out like all the rest as I found a seat in front of the TV. I was in awe as I watched huge helium balloons loom over the on-lookers that lined the city streets.
Midmorning, my sister started complaining about a pain in her right side. Being concerned, my parents stopped the meal preparation and took her to the hospital, placing our Thanksgiving celebration on hold.
My older brother and I watched Family Classics as we awaited the news on my sister's condition. Later that afternoon, my parents arrived home with the disturbing news that my sister was hospitalized for observation of possible appendicitis.
I was impressed by the calm composure my parents displayed despite their troubled minds. My mother resumed cooking and a few hours later we gathered around the table for our Thanksgiving meal.
Despite our deep concern for my sister's condition, my parents said a prayer of healing and Thanksgiving. My heart was warmed by the thought they could show gratitude to our Lord, even though they were saddened by my sister's situation.
The next day my sister was released from the hospital with a clean bill of health. I wondered if it was the display of gratitude my parents lifted to God that caused the miraculous healing for my sibling.
Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart. God tells us to be grateful in all circumstances. Sometimes that's tough to do. He doesn't mean we have to be grateful for life's challenges, but we are to maintain a grateful heart despite our difficulties.
God desires for us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, one the devil cannot gain control over. Gratitude keeps the destructive forces of anger and bitterness away.
Whether or not your circumstances promote an attitude of gratitude in your heart, this Thanksgiving use it as a starting point to spark a prayer of thanks and cultivate a grateful heart.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.