A story for Thanksgiving:
While not always happy, there is always something to be thankful for.

Our associate pastor was skiing with a friend years ago and they crashed into one another. They rolled down the hill a ways, but Pastor Jim's ski had dug into the snow (it was a stunt ski, shorter than regular skis and not easily taken off). The ski and consequently his leg stayed there while he kept rolling. He heard two loud snaps.
The ski came unlodged as they continued their descent and finally he was lying on his back with his foot on his chest. Would ever guess his first thoughts?

"I don't know what you're going to use this for, Lord, but thankyou.
Ps. This hurts REALLY BAD!"

or words to that effect. Pastor Jim was days away from going back to work for the first time in five months due to a previous neck injury that cost him his last job. With a wife and children that's a heavy burden.

We are to give thanks always in all situations just like the disciples were imprisoned and tortured for their preaching, but they sang songs of praise from their cells while their hands were manacled and their friends were being murdered.
They were released on the condition that they would not share the truth anymore, but they went away rejoicing and praising God.

Remember how much you have to thank God for not just during the holidays, but every day especially when bad things happen.

cross posted to lady_dragonweed