Thankful for Trials and Storms in Life

As we think about what we are thankful for during this Thanksgiving, my minister, Dan Brown, brought to the congregation’s attention that the first Thanksgiving was the celebration of coming through a season where they were tested and withstood the storm.
I realized that I usually say thanks for family, shelter, friends, and the bounty of food passed around the table. This year, for a change, I challenge you to look back over the past year. What were some of the storms that you went through? Maybe you are still going through a storm. But remember that when you go through something, you will come out the other side. It is our choice how we fair on the other side of the storm. That is why we often hear the term "Trials and Tribulations". There is rejoicing after the trial. First comes the trial, then the testing of our faith, third the perseverance, and last the evidence of character.

Genesis 13:14-17 GOD said to Abram, "Open your eyes, look around. Look north, south, east, and west. Everything you see, the whole land spread out before you, I will give to you and your children forever. I'll make your descendants like dust—counting your descendants will be as impossible as counting the dust of the Earth. So—on your feet, get moving! Walk through the country, its length and breadth; I'm giving it all to you."

Sometimes we are so caught up in looking at our own problems, our own storm, that we don’t even see the world around us. God wants to bless us this Thanksgiving and every day. After the big meal, take a walk in area where you seldom (if ever) have gone before. Take a deep breath of the clear air and give thanks to our Lord from whom all blessings flow.