Intricate snowflakes are falling to the ground, steadily covering the green grass and black asphalt with a soft, white blanket. The branch of the evergreen tree is moving slightly outside my living room window, indicating that there is a bit of a breeze. On days like these, I am thankful for a warm house to shelter me. I am thankful for being able to write my thoughts down into a journal. I am thankful that I am able to see and correct the words that I have written. I am thankful that my hand is able to hold a pen and write, and that my brain can communicate the proper instructions to my hand to make it move. I am thankful that my husband is alive and that I am not alone. I am thankful that we are healthy; that we are able to go to work and receive our wages, so that we are able to live in a warm house, buy food and clothing, and so much more. And yet, in a second, some or all of this could be taken from us.

An accident could happen, disabling us in one way or another; a life could be lost. A fire could consume the security of our warm house, food, and clothing, leaving cherished gifts, photographs, and treasures in a pile of ashes. In an instant we could be naked, and we would then ask ourselves, "What is there to be thankful for now?" and "Why has God allowed this to happen to us?" Yet, God watches and waits, and seems to be silent for a time.

In circumstances like these, we can be thankful that we survived and escaped the tongues of fire, lapping at us and consuming everything that we hold dear. We can be thankful that our children are safe. We can be thankful that we are able to re-build and start anew, with the help of insurance companies, shelters, ambulance attendants, doctors, nurses, neighbours, and friends. And God watches and moves and answers through all of these living instruments.

Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. (NASB)

Prayer: Thank You God, for all the blessings in our lives. When we are faced with a trial, we have the choice to be thankful in our situation that You allow, or to feel sorry for ourselves. Help us to trust in You in all circumstances. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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