Thanks for All

Thanks for All

From “Today” devotions (Nov. 24, 2005)

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18                           

The  belief in the divine guidance of God makes it possible for us to be "thankful when things go well" and "patient when things go against us".  So, that makes us sometimes thankful and sometimes patient.

Paul said it is God's will for us to be thankful "in all circumstances."  Note Paul did not say we should be thankful for all circumstances but in all.  When things seem to go against us, God expects us to be grateful that He will help us endure under the strain.

Do you find it equally difficult to be thankful when things are going well?  When things go well, we have so much to be grateful for. But, the very nature of human beings, even if a Christian, is to overlook the good gifts God gives us every day.

Today, exercise the gift of noticing. Notice what you see, what you have, and who is with you. Notice the color, beauty, and variety around you. Keep noticing, and make a list of the gifts you notice.  

As an official, be thankful for the opportunity God gives you to be a part of a game that you love.  In officiating, we are thankful in the good times and hope that we can be patient in the tough times.  Be thankful for the family support we receive and the support from fellow officials.  Finally, be thankful that you can touch the lives of others through officiating and also look for ways to be the “Thanks” someone needs.