Why Be Thankful?

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Tonight, I am writing at our local, new coffee shop.  Yahoo! The taste of coffee, the sound of music, the beautiful scenery outdoors, and modern decor is utterly enjoyable to me.  For those who know me personally, you know that this is one of my most favorite places to be ❤️
But... life does not always look like our favorite place with our favorite sounds and smells.  There are times when situations are challenging, difficult, and down-right tough to handle.  

In 2005, I was in a scary high-speed car accident on a major interstate.  Thank the Lord for sparing my life & all the others involved! My husband was close to losing his life through multiple pulmonary embolisms after a knee surgery.  Again, thank the Lord for preserving his life! Recently, I was in another awful car accident in our new town. Yet again, the Lord was gracious & kind in protecting my life and the other lady involved.

Throughout difficult circumstances such as these, God has reminded me to be thankful. 

In His grace & strength, thankfulness CAN be the response. Is it always my initial response?  NO! I wish it was, but alas, it is not. Oftentimes, panic and nervousness are my responses. Although, I am coming to see that even though hard things happen in my life, it doesn’t mean I need to despair.  Since I am super good at focusing on myself, my dad kindly reminded me that, “Leigh Anne, life is not all about you.” He meant that there is most likely a greater purpose in the pain and that my life just might be a conduit to show the love of Christ.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  It DOES NOT say to give thanks for the circumstance, but IN all circumstances. As believers, each moment of our life can lead us closer to the Savior who created us, sustains us, & loves us.  Simply amazing…. No matter what type of situation, it can still be used for the glory of God & our ultimate good!  

So what am I thankful for?  

  • Thankful that I have another moment to love those around me.  

  • Thankful that I have another day to share the goodness of my God with the world.  

  • Thankful that God has purposes in the midst of all the pain & the good times.  

  • Thankful for lessons learned in the heartache, uncertainty, and anxiety.  

  • Thankful that God is the SAME no matter the situation.

Friend, is there a situation that has occurred in which you are struggling to give thanks? Can you be thankful for any of the above today?  By God’s grace & kindness, may you be encouraged that there is still MUCH to be thankful for even in the pain ❤️

In His Grace ~ leigh anne