The Thanksgiving Challenge!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving!

I know Thanksgiving was yesterday, but we were too busy eating and watching the new Anne of Green Gables show on PBS! So the J&A Blog is celebrating Thanksgiving weekend instead. :)

I love this time of year because it encourages us to really take a step back and think about the ways God has blessed us over the course of the year.

This year, I’ve challenged myself to go beyond my ordinary.

My Thanksgiving list is always filled with things that I often take for granted – like food, clothing, a warm (or cool!) house, a free country, family, our church, opportunities to travel, and things like that.

I want to learn how to see the blessings that I truly do take for granted. The ones that I don’t even notice because I’m so caught up in what’s going on in my life.

Things like the coupon fairy who left a 50 cent coupon right next to the Sister Schubert rolls in Publix for me to find. Things like the azaleas that bloom in my front yard all spring and summer long, even though I sadly neglect them. Things like moments of quiet when I have time to think and dream. Things like having a dependable car that lets me drive to coffee shop dates whenever I want.

I want to give thanks in the circumstances when things aren’t going the way I hoped they would. It seems like a strange time to be thankful, but I truly believe that God allows everything to happen for a reason and for our good.

Those struggles might bring me a lesson I need to learn, or maybe my struggle is designed to help me become a woman of stronger character and a gentler spirit.

Joel and I went through one of our deepest heartbreaks a little over a year ago. It was so hard to see how I could be thankful in that situation. I still struggle sometimes with the “why”. But through that, we have a deeper relationship with God and with each other. We know heartache and grief, and we’ve been able to encourage and counsel others because of our deeper understanding.

And even in difficult times when we really don’t feel like being thankful, there is so much to be thankful for.

My challenge to me and to you:

1. This week, make a list of 10 thinks that you have never before put on your standard “thankful” list. Make them super specific! (Think coupon fairy in the freezer aisle!)
2. Next time you’re going through a really difficult time, set aside 5 minutes to write down two things that you can be thankful for in that situation. It might be hard, but I promise it is worth trying to find them! :)

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

*hugs*

Joel and Amber

And another one – because this chapter is beautiful. <3

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17