Two weeks ago I wrote about 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (pray continually), and seeing as it is thanksgiving next week it seems fitting to continue with verse 18. “In all circumstances give thanks.”

It’s easy to give thanks over a warm turkey dinner, with mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie waiting for you. Sitting around a table, all warm and comfortable, there are plenty of things to be thankful for! It’s more difficult in situations where we are facing uncertainty.

When things are hard we may not think to give thanks. And rightly so. Typically in tough spots, we need help and that is what we ask for. But it’s important to look for God’s provisions in all situations and be thankful!

We recently had an event such as this. Our youngest got sick after having a routine set of vaccines. We ended up seeing a paediatrician at the hospital just to check and make sure everything was okay.

It was an entire family affair, mama, daddy, E and B. E was so patient as we had to wait and wait and then wait some more.

Baby B was checked and while the doctor wasn’t certain what caused his issue, she told us to monitor him over the next few days and bring him back if things worsened. It was a long, stressful day for everyone.

Through it all, I couldn’t help being thankful. Thankful we had a family doctor who could make the referral for us. Thankful my husband wasn’t working and could go with me. Thankful E was so cooperative at the hospital. Thankful I had brought a bag of goldfish snacks, which sustained the toddler for the day. But most of all I was thankful my baby seemed to be recovering without further issues.

Thanking God during the scary moments is just as important as thanking him during the warm and fuzzy ones. He is always taking care of us, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. We can ask for help but we also need to remember to thank him.

The verse says to give thanks in all circumstances. Not to just give thanks when things are going well.

So this week leading up to Thanksgiving, I am going to focus on being thankful. Every day I will (children willing) post something on my Facebook page that I am thankful for. Even little things like sunshine and a warm breeze are gifts from God! I hope you join me in focusing on what you are thankful for too, however big or small!