I Am Thankful

When you can go through a low period in your life and maintain a heart of gratitude, you will come out on the other side of that period yet stronger. On the other side, there is a journey of rejoicing and yet more gratitude.

To recognize the vastness of gratitude is to acknowledge the fact, that, there is nothing else more powerful than giving thanks. With all our imperfections, an imperfect world and imperfect situations, and unfortunate circumstances and situations, I am thankful.

My favourite scripture verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". However, it would not be complete without verses 16 and 17, "Rejoice Always, and Pray without ceasing". Each day I strive to live within these three principles. I needed a daily reminder. For some reason, I have a short memory. We forget the blessings that we have received. Yet so easily recall the burdens, and so we carry them.

I recall in the book of Judges chapter 10. The children of Israel had turned to the gods of the surrounding nations. They had forgotten about the God that had delivered them out of Egypt. The God that parted the Red Sea and guided them through on dry land. They came into hard times again and were under oppression. They remembered their God and cried out to Him. God's response to them:

"Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation."

That verse humbled me and reminded me to remain close to the one that sent His only Son to earth because He loved us. That same Son humbled Himself and took upon Himself the sins of the world. He was not guilty of anything yet accused and convicted then crucified.

Rejoice Always, Pray Continually, and Give Thanks. These three have sustained me over the years and I believe they can do the same for you. If you are feeling down and out, look up and above and start rejoicing even if you don't know what you are rejoicing about. Start praying even when you don't know what to say. Above all else give thanks. If you are wondering what you can be thankful for, well let's start with the fact that you can read and you have maintained the focus up to this point.

As I wrapped up 2021, my theme song was More than Anything, Lamar Campbell. This anthem was a daily reminder of where my truest allegiance stands. In our lowest moments, a simple act of lifting your hands does amazing wonders. Yes, it helps in blood flow and exercising our muscles. Then there is the spiritual benefit. Something I denied for a while until "I lift my hands in adoration to You". My spirit was lifted.

2021 was a challenging year. I started it off with a sense of hope that we would get past the pandemic. However, early in the year, that hope was crushed when there wasn't any sight of an end to the pandemic. Seeing some sign of light at the end of the tunnel was hope. Well, sometimes that light might not be what we need.

So what was my lesson learned in 2021? To be thankful. Life does not always give you what you want but I am assured that I will get what I need. Every day, before you get on your way, take the time to give thanks.

About the Author

O. Stephen Peart is the author of Released Expressions: the journey begins, a sequence of inspirational poetry on perspective and life. He’s inspired by the stories of life and others and shares those in his articles such as?TAKE the LEAP. His desire to bridge ideas, perspectives, and thoughts by connecting people, their stories into a conversation that enhances our awareness of ourselves and each other is the heart of Released Expressions.

Between writing and his day job, he seeks to inspire his two daughters. He will often escape into his indoor garden or out exploring the outdoors while listening to the land and skyscape with his camera. You can learn more at?www.releasedexpressions.com.?