During Thanksgiving we often share after dinner what we’re thankful for. If this is your tradition pay attention this time to what others are thankful for. Typical responses are for a new job or home, good health, family reunited for the occasion or a newborn baby. Have you ever heard thankfulness for a lost job or home or bankruptcy?

A few hundred years ago the Pilgrims left persecution only to encounter desperation. Some died on the way, some died when they arrived, but God’s providential hand sustained them until they were established. For three days they celebrated with resounding gratitude the grace and mercy of God with their Indian friends.

This year some Americans will be able to celebrate like the Pilgrims with resounding gratitude to our Lord for His grace and mercy because of catastrophic experiences like Katrina or Rita. We need to humbly inquire and intently listen to those who’ve suffered, hearing why they have hope in God and learning how we can be thankful even in difficulties (2Co 4:7-11).

This Thanksgiving before you dig into the bounty that God has provided, take some time as a family to reflect about all that God has done for you and your family. In your Thanksgiving prayer remember those that are thanking God in the midst of some difficult circumstances. Remember that it is only by God’s grace, his unmerited favor, that we have anything. In 1Thes 5:18, Paul summed it up in this way, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”