One thing that is missing in times of trouble is an attitude of gratitude. It is far easier to grumble and complain about all we do not have when pay is low and debts are high. It is so common for some of us to slip into our ungrateful selves and forget all that we have been blessed with.

Remaining angry and becoming bitter and resentful is an easy trap to fall into. Especially as you see money spend foolishly and frivolously and you know how much care you would take had God given those funds to you!

…in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18

always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father Eph. 5:20

Paul’s exhortation to give thanks does not only apply to the good and happy times in life. I was recently challenged after the loss of my mom to be thankful. I was pretty down and seeing things only through a hopeless set of eyes. My wonderful husband and son both admonished me and asked me if there wasn’t anything in my life that I could be thankful for? I decided they were right. In spite of my crazy circumstances I do have many things to be thankful for, I just didn’t want to focus on them because in some fleshly way it felt better to mope about all that was wrong.

Since that day I have made a concerted effort to go through my day and thank God for things. I saw a male Cardinal in the tree outside my window yesterday, and the other morning I heard the call of the Blue Jay in the early morning. Two simple things, yet I found that I was thankful. When I was able to pay my taxes the other day, I was thankful the funds were there. There are always things to be thankful for, Reading Friends…we just have to be willing to look for them.