The time of year has come again! A time to reflect on our year so far and to take the time to say thanks for all of the things we have been blessed with. It's always been one of my favorite times of year as we come together with family and celebrate the year and blessings we've had.
As 2020 comes to an end, I've seen lots of jokes floating around social media about being thankful to see 2020 almost over! And I'd have to agree...2020 has been quite a ride!
But has it really been a waste of a year? Are we really so ready to dismiss the entire year and everything it entailed? Has 2020 been as awful as we say, or is it all a matter of perception?
As Thanksgiving week begins, my mind is tempted to say "good riddance" to a pretty rotten year and reflect on all the grief and pain this year has brought. But in the quiet moments of the morning, as I listen to my children's feet patter across the floor, I'm reminded of a simple verse: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
It doesn't say "In the good times, give thanks" or even "When you feel like it, give thanks".
"In every thing give thanks..."
In the beautiful. In the ugly. In the joy. In the sorrow. In the births. In the deaths. In the years of blessing. In the years of drought.
Even in 2020.
This year, just as every year, we are commanded to give thanks. Thanks for a year of learning and growth. Thanks for a time of drawing back to Him. Thanks for another breath and opportunity to live this day to the fullest.