sometimes its not that easy

^15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ^16 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. ^17 And 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. (Col 3:15-17, NIV)

As we fastly approach the Holiday of Thanksgiving, many of us have to sit around and "force" ourselves to find things we are thankful for.  In our current economy it is hard.  People are losing their homes and are scrambling to avoid foreclosure, people are out of work (and have been for awhile), families are struggling to figure out how they are going to put food on the table, let alone wondering how they are going to provide gifts for their children for Christmas.  Some folks will be without running water, electricity, warm clothing, and hot meals.  These were folks that three years ago had decent paying jobs, and now are finding themselves in uncharted territory.  As they/we sit around the table Thursday, how hard will it to be to find things to be thankful for.

I'm so glad that God has addressed these things in scripture.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your/my heart.  Christ knows what you are going through, He was homeless, He had to depend on others to lend a hand.  Peace means to remain calm.  vs. 16 says to sing psalm, hymns, and spiritual songs.  What a difference that can make.  We are challenged over and over in these verses to be thankful or have gratitude.

If we think, if we look around really hard we CAN find alot to be thankful for.  Yes, you may have terrible, awful, depressing circumstances, but we CAN find stuff to be thankful for. 

Tomorrow's blog will be a list of how ever many things i can think of to be thankful for, I am giving myself 24 hours to come up with it.  I challenge you to do the same, and check back tomorrow.

enjoy your day and your blessings in Christ.

Chris