Have you ever noticed how content our pets can be with the bare minimal? A little love and attention, along with some food and an occasional treat is all they need in order to feel satisfied with their circumstances. Vern and Bee exemplify what it means to find joy within any environment. Vern is enjoying the fire and gnawing on a found bone. Bee is content with just being.
So why is happiness so fleeting for us humans? Why can’t we know the joy we were created to experience? Tomorrow, Christmas Day is upon us and how are you feeling? Excited at the prospect of what you will receive? Maybe. But for some it’s a reminder of what has been lost. Others are wishing so hard their situation was different that they can’t even consider the blessings that surround them.
Take a moment and soak in this verse that I happened to stumble upon. Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica. He writes, “In EVERYTHING give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Notice Paul states, in everything…. Not some things or the good and pleasant things but EVERYTHING. Are you sick? Be thankful. If you are alone, give thanks. If you are in an unhappy marriage? Find reasons for gratitude.
Just give it a try. Stop and bow your head and give thanks for your circumstance. Don’t veer off to the negative. Stay focused on the blessings. Hold on to the good in your situation, even if you have to dig deep… Dig…
Have you ever wondered what God’s will is? Well here it is. Giving thanks. And as you nestle into the will of God, try focusing on his Son and what He did for you. That will surely give you reason for gratitude. Then you will understand the true reason for this season.
Vern and Bee want to wish all of you a Merry or more importantly a grateful Christmas.
Love,
Cora