Here comes another newbie in blogland...  This is a little intimidating to know that many people have the option of reading what I write.  It is a little exhilarating, too.  I think I will start on one of my favorite subjects -- thankfulness. (yes, hence the title of this blog)

I Thessalonians 5:18: "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." NASB

I had a shock one day when I realized that "in everything" is not qualified in any way.  It means I am to be thankful when I have to deal with annoying, unfair or even painful situations.  Yikes! That led to more than a year of studying and contemplating the subject of thankfulness. 

The big question was how can a person possibly be thankful through the terribly painful experiences of life?  Many times we are exhorted by fellow Christians to not blame God for tough times, to hang in there, or to keep ourselves from being bitter.   It seems a step farther to say we are to be thankful.  A huge step farther.

So, the treasure hunt began with Scripture as the ancient but absolutely trustworthy map.  The incredible adventure intensified as I felt myself getting closer to the answer for the big question.  Here's the path I followed:

God is in control of everything that happens in our lives. Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21

God is good beyond our understanding.  Psalm 145:9, Psalm 110:5, I Chronicles 16:34

God never changes. James 1:17, Malachi 3:6

Ok, maybe these are things I was taught all my life but I never put them together in this package for being thankful.  The string that ties all of these concepts together making the whole thing work for thankfulness is the realization that our definition of good doesn't always align with God's.  You see, we think something is good when it feels nice or brings us some sort of advantage.  He defines something as good when it makes us more like Jesus, when it helps us know Him better, not to mention when it gives us an opportunity to give Him glory.

Can we be thankful in each and every situation?  Yes, yes, yes!  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Whew!  That's all for today.  I need to go get a cup of tea and calm down.  :-)

Have a lovely day, Michele