Are you still thankful in 2009?

Happy Turkey Day 2009!

In a few months, when we all take a look back at the year 2009, I think many of us will be thankful it's finally over. This year has brought numerous challenges to a lot of people. Many have lost jobs this year. Many still have jobs but have taken major pay cuts. Marriages have fallen apart. Children have become rebellious and made extremely poor choices. People have lost their homes to foreclosures.

In spite of the difficult times in which we now find ourselves, here are a few reminders of things to be thankful for today, even if you don't necessarily feel very thankful this holiday season:

1. Salvation. Those of us who claim the name of Christ can be thankful that someday there will be no more sorrow, no more pain! We can rest in the comfort that one day we will live in eternity with our Savior.
2. Life. There's an old response that some people use to the everyday question, "how are you today?" The response comes back "every day above ground is a good day!" Even though it's a somewhat humorous statement, this is a great attitude to have each day - an attitude of gratitude!
3. Health. If you and your family still have good health, consider yourself blessed!
4. Marriage. If you're in a healthy, vibrant marriage, consider yourself blessed!
5. Family. If you have happy, healthy children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, you are overflowing with blessings. If your parents and grandparents are still alive and well, God has been good to you!
6. Church. If you have a great church family in which you are a part, you are blessed!
7. Business. If you own a business that has weathered the economic storm, you are blessed!
8. Job. If you still have a job in a climate of 10-18% unemployment, God has been good to you and your family!
9. Food. If you can put food on the table and eat out occasionally, life is tasty!
10. Vehicles. If you have a functioning car to get you to where you need to go, life is so much easier!

I could go on, but you get the point. In a difficult year, there are still many things in which we can give thanks to our Lord.

To readers of my blog, I thank God for all of you. I pray that you find these regular postings thought provoking, inspiring, and educational. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, (Philemon 1:4, NIV).

May God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving Day.

Larry

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (I Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).