Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. AND BE THANKFUL. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:15-16, NIV

 

 

Always Thankful...by Janet Perez Eckles

 

"Thanks, big guy," I said to hubby as he placed the grocery bags on the kitchen counter.

 

In our household, he does the grocery shopping (a task I loathe). And as I empty the plastic bags, I looked for a certain special item.

 

"Did you remember my avocados?"

 

"OOPS. I knew there was something I forgot."

 

Forgot?! He knows life just isn't life for me without my delicious green friends.

 

I wanted to complain, but I forced a smile instead. And rather than sour words, I decided to taste the sweetness of gratitude.

 

I pulled out the bag of apples and thanked God for them. And I also thanked Him for the almond milk, the Ezekiel bread, and for the bananas, etc. But the doorbell interrupted me.

 

"Hey," my neighbor said as I opened the door. She placed a heavy bag in my hands. "Got some avocados from our tree. They're all yours."

 

Is that why God instructs us to thank Him at all times? Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

• Thank Him...when we're disappointed. He has something better.

• Thank Him...when plans are broken. He has the repair around the corner.

• Thank Him...in the midst of trials. His triumph is in the making.

• Thank Him...when conflict stirs stress. His peace is waiting to come in.

When we look for success in the grocery bag of life, it may not be there. Yet He still says, No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, TLB)