Thanksgiving Despite Circumstances by Steve Watters on 11/21/2006 at 9:15 AM

How do you go into the Thanksgiving holiday when you can't think of anything to feel thankful for?  Although I'm thankful this year for a new baby boy and other blessings, there have been years when I could identify more challenges and setbacks than reasons for thanksgiving. How about you? What's this past year been like? Have you dealt with the death of someone you loved? Financial challenges? Relational disappointments? Or maybe even just the blandness of a life without much to be happy about?

I noticed a great quote by our Plugged In team yesterday by H.U. Westermayer. He said, "The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." In the face of loss of life, severe hardships and a still unknown future, the Pilgrims found within their recent harvest a reason to trust God and to return thanks.

Their attitude reminds me of the song The Martins released in the late 90s called "Count Your Blessing." For people who can't count many blessings in their life, the Martins suggest finding at least one blessing to count. The song goes, "Count your blessing. You'll find one if you try. Count on the Lord and watch that blessing multiply." Even in the worst circumstances, they remind us that we can still give thanks for a risen Savior and a perfect God. 

What one blessing can you count on? 

Thanksgiving Despite Circumstances by Steve Watters on 11/21/2006 at 9:15 AM

How do you go into the Thanksgiving holiday when you can't think of anything to feel thankful for?  Although I'm thankful this year for a new baby boy and other blessings, there have been years when I could identify more challenges and setbacks than reasons for thanksgiving. How about you? What's this past year been like? Have you dealt with the death of someone you loved? Financial challenges? Relational disappointments? Or maybe even just the blandness of a life without much to be happy about?

I noticed a great quote by our Plugged In team yesterday by H.U. Westermayer. He said, "The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." In the face of loss of life, severe hardships and a still unknown future, the Pilgrims found within their recent harvest a reason to trust God and to return thanks.

Their attitude reminds me of the song The Martins released in the late 90s called "Count Your Blessing." For people who can't count many blessings in their life, the Martins suggest finding at least one blessing to count. The song goes, "Count your blessing. You'll find one if you try. Count on the Lord and watch that blessing multiply." Even in the worst circumstances, they remind us that we can still give thanks for a risen Savior and a perfect God. 

What one blessing can you count on?