Dear Reader,
As we draw closer to the end of this year we are forced in a way to take a look back at the year and begin to evaluate ourselves, our successes, and even our failures.
I know that for some, this time of the year is the most enjoyable time and we look forward to being with family and friends, eating, sharing, laughing, and just having a great time. I mean who doesn't enjoy good food and great company, right?
As I sit here doing the same thing as mentioned above, I can't help but look back and evaluate my year. I also think about some family and friends that are not in the picture. It's so easy to get lost and consumed by what is lost, to fall into the grips of sadness as we think about those loved ones who are not around or even that business venture that fell through causing us to feel like we failed. It's so easy to become bitter or even angry during these special times.
I would like to offer you a different perspective. You see, as I sit here alongside you thinking about the same things as you are right now, I can't help but feel overwhelmed and even somewhat emotional. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it states:
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I know some of you are probably thinking how can I give thanks when I lost so much. How can I be thankful when I failed? Hey listen, I have been there as well. It is not easy to be in a state of thanksgiving, however, it's something we can do.
As I have been on this journey this past month or so, just thinking about what it actually means to be thankful. I have discovered that when we begin to shift our focus from inward to upward, the thankfulness just begins to pour out.
For that person that lost someone special in your life when you begin to look upward, you will find that we didn't lose that special person, the memories and special moments live on in our hearts. We can begin to be thankful for those moments that we did have. The feeling of sadness begins to lift away as joy fills you up.
For that person that feels like a failure because that business venture fell through. As you look upward you will see that maybe it wasn't a failure, but more so an experience that you have under your belt to try again and do things a bit differently. That experience will forever be with you and it help to guide you on your next attempt.
Let us look upwards and give thanks in all our circumstances even when it is difficult. Let us turn our eyes away from ourselves and turn them to a God who loves us. He loves us so much that he sent His son Jesus Christ to come onto this earth and He laid his life on a cross so that we can live a life filled with grace and thankfulness.
So on this day of thanksgiving, let us be thankful for all we have been given and all that has been taken away, so we have room for more. I am thankful for each and every one of you who will and have read this blog or followed me on social media and those who have supported me along the way.
Food for thought:
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind"
Osbert Maldonado
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