There are times I forget to be thankful. Times when circumstances––and all that is simply life––seem to get in the way of being able to clearly see my life for what it is. To see all the beauty found in all the little things. All the big things. And all those in-between.

Life is full of blessings. Full of grace.

And I must choose to see.

To see every bad day as evidence of my need for Jesus and as a chance to draw close to Him.

To see interruptions to my daily schedule as a opportunity to abandon myself––and my agenda––for the sake of loving someone else.

And to see every hardship and every trial as a blessing in disguise (which is something I know well).

We serve a God who redeems. A God who takes what is broken, sinful, and ugly and uses it all for our good.

Nothing is wasted by God. Nothing.

It can be difficult to continually hold this point of view, however. To refuse to succumb to defeat when trial strikes. But once we come to see God’s redemption in a real way, our over all perspective begins to change. Truly, our eyes need to be opened to see the truth that every trial we face will be used––to understand that the good, the bad, and the ugly are together used to transform us into the likeness of Christ.

I have, certainly, seen this exemplified in my own life in such powerful ways that each time I face adversity, I choose to remind myself of two things.

1. This, too, shall pass (because most individual trials will cease at some point).

2. God will use this both for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

What comfort there is in knowing our suffering is not in vain. To know there is purpose behind our pain. To know that, ultimately, everything is intended to be grace––even that which feels most harmful.

So, let us see, with new eyes, the grace of God in all things. This Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God for all things, including our difficulties.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! – 1 Chronicles 16:34

And on this Thanksgiving day, I must tell you that I am truly thankful for you. For each and every one of you. I know that I don’t know you personally, but I am thankful that I have been invited to take residence in a small part of your life. For the privilege you’ve given me to speak to your heart the things God has placed on mine.

I am so very blessed.

Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Any thoughts? Share in the comments.