Here it is, the day before Thanksgiving, and I just realized how unthankful I’ve been.
No, you won’t hear me grumbling about non important things; I mean, how would that sound? But I have definitely been less than thankful.
Most definitely.
It dawned on me yesterday afternoon, actually. I ran into a former coworker and he asked me what I had been up to. I hadn’t seen him for a number of years, so I brought him up to speed rather quickly.
But in doing so, I included the reason why I was no longer working for the same company. Oh, I could have simply told him I had retired, but I felt the need to tell him why. After all, it made for a better story.
And besides, the more I tell it the more I justify my feelings; the better I look in my eyes.
But the Lord convicted me of how unthankful I had become.
Yes, I was wronged. I shouldn’t have been treated like I was. It was awful to lose a great paying job, and have to retire so young.
But the Lord still wants me to be thank-FULL. Full of thanks. Without any room in my heart for complaints or grudges.
What do I have to be thankful for, even in the situation I was “forced” into?
First of all, the level of stress I was experiencing immediately dropped to almost nothing. I can be thankful for a stress free life.
Second, I discovered a passion and calling to write. And with ten books published, I’m just beginning to develop my skills as a writer.
And the ideas keep coming.
Third, my schedule is so much more flexible. No longer must I submit a request to take time off, and hope someone with more seniority doesn’t want off the same day.
Of course I am thankful for my Savior, my wife and family, my church and my friends.
But if I am harboring ugly feelings toward someone, or about a situation wherein I was wronged, I cannot be thank-FULL.
So I’ve made up my mind. I don’t have to explain to anyone else about how badly I was treated. Nor do I have to beg for another’s consolation or pity.
No, I choose to be thank-full.
I have a wonderful life to live, and I’m going to do just that!
How full of thanks are you?
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 ESV)
Jan Grace 