Cicero has said, “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.”  We often consider our circumstances as the basis for our thankfulness.  Therefore, if our circumstances are going well then we can be thankful – but if our circumstances are not going well then we’re not so thankful.  The Apostle Paul gives us a helpful perspective,

“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Notice that there are no exceptions – we are to give thanks in everything!  This requires us to give thanks regardless of our circumstances – this requires an act of the will.  You can complain that roses have thorns or you can be thankful that thorns have roses.  It all depends how you choose to look at the situation.

Life contains enough challenges that it’s always easy to focus on the thorns rather than the roses.  The German theologian and courageous pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote, “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”   Bonhoeffer faced a number of challenges but he chose to have an attitude of gratitude.  How about you – what is an area in your life where you are choosing to give thanks?

Dr. Rick Higgins
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University