Being Thankful

As we rapidly approach the Thanksgiving Holidays, I thought this would be a great time for us to contemplate and share, what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving. In Ephesians 5: 20a, we are encouraged to have an attitude of thanksgiving. We are exhorted in 1st Thessalonians 5:18(a) "in everything give thanks". Not because "it's all good" in our "neck of the woods", but as Christians we are suppose to see things from a different perspective.
Let's be real. At any given time, a Christian can be going through a multiplicity of trials and tribulations (and more than likely is) and yet, we are exhorted to be thankful. Why? Because of the "big picture"- the purposes and providence of God is at work in "all these things" . (Romans 8:28-39) God allows the trials of life to mold, shape and to conform us to His image. And when we see life through the viewfinder and lens of God, life will come into focus. Then we'll realize just how thankful we should be!
I give thanks to God for life itself, my family, my growing church family, friends @ work, our troops (past and present), the trials of life that help shape and sharpen us for His service. I'm thankful most of all for the Grace and Mercy of our Lord and Savior. How about you? What are you most thankful for today?

Mark Cater