In Canada we are celebrating Thanksgiving today.
There is much to be thankful for in our safe, prosperous, opportunity-laden corner of the world.
Yet …
There are also burdens, heartaches, sorrows and misfortunes in our lives as well.
As I drove yesterday, mentally planning all of the meal preparatory steps when I would arrive back home, I audibly said,
‘it is Thanksgiving and what am I thankful for?’
and the list began with names of those I hold closest to my heart, followed by provisions for life, followed by things I often forget to be thankful.
Then I made an even if statement of thanks. And one even if statement of thanks became more, and more and even more. And I realized that the more I declared my thanks in the even if situations the lighter I felt … as if
thanksgiving is the antecedent to, not the result of joy.
I am thankful … even if my heart is breaking.
I am thankful … even if I didn’t get the job I wanted.
I am thankful … even if I am not where I thought I would be at this point.
I am thankful … even if I did not get into the school I had planned.
I am thankful … even if my husband/wife left me.
I am thankful … even if my husband/wife/child died.
I am thankful … even if I am struggling financially.
I am thankful … even if my kids are struggling.
I am thankful … even if I am lonely.
I am thankful … even if I am dying.
I am thankful … even if …
In the book of Acts, Paul and Silas had been arrested, stripped, flogged and put in chains in prison. The account says that “about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (16:25). If ever there were a day when it might make sense to abstain from thanksgiving and worship to God, this might have been such a day. Yet, that is exactly what they did, after a day of torture, fear and the removal of their rights.
May we all be thankful today … even if.
itsawonderfilledlife 