Thankful In All Circumstances

Monday, November 1st, 2021

Thankful in All Circumstances

Kathi Smith

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

What draws us to walk in the light of this verse is the feeling and picture that life would always be beautiful and easy. We would handle every situation perfectly and rise above any circumstance gracefully. That would be wonderful if it were possible. I never thought about getting older as something to be thankful for when you are in your 60’s. After all, its not like the milestone of turning old enough to drive! This year however I realized getting older was something to be thankful for. Not because my age changed but the closeness to God seems so much more significant. Life is beautiful and definitely easier when God is the center of how we choose to live each day.

Through trials and tribulations, you can look back on your life and truly know God was right there with you. Sending Angels to guide you, carrying you when you were too weary and sending blessings everyday. You know, in all probability, you have already lived more days than you have left! The oldest person ever to have lived, according to Guinness World Records, is Jeanne Calment, from France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old. OK, so there’s a chance!

The blessing of age is you are so thankful for all the things that are really important. You are more compassionate of others. With all the mistakes you’ve made; by this time in your life, finding fault with others seems hypocritical! Patience is possible because you learn to wait on God. Not because you got so smart but all the times you tried to push that rock up hill on your own, you fell down a slippery slope.

Here is more to add to that verse. Colossians 3:13. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Maybe it was getting older or Covid with all the restrictions, at least in New Jersey to “stay away” from other people that made relationships and wanting to be with others so important. That friend or family member who seemed to get on your nerves at times was a welcome visitor. God does not see all our flaws and mistakes; otherwise he would have given up on me long ago. As I mature as a Christian I am thankful for ever year I celebrate another birthday knowing I have another chance to live life each day with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

It’s hard not to include these three versus together so here is the last part. Colossians 3:14. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Wow! To build a life on these three versus; how could you not be thankful every day. God promises to be there with us in all circumstances. Over the test of time, talking with God every day; sharing your dreams, heartaches, praises, laughter and mistakes with him; you learn you are dearly loved by God! And for that you can be Thankful in All Circumstances.

Dear Heavenly Father, remind us each day how to be thankful in all circumstances. Let us remember to be thankful for all the prayers we don’t have to pray. Thank you for hearing our prayers. We may not see how they will be answered however give us peace in knowing you have heard us and they will be answered according to your will for us. Thank you for bringing into our life, family and friends who we can shower with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And most of all LOVE.