This is the season to be thankful. But really isn't every day, a day to give thanks for our many challenges and blessings? It was many years ago that a dear friend taught me to always be thankful, no matter what happens.

One day after listening to her, I stated that it seemed to me that she was really being tried and tested. Her reply left an indelible impression on me. Her face was radiant and her eyes sparkled as she spoke, emphatically. “I love God so much and I just can't look at all these troubles as problems. I thank God for every problem. I mean, every challenge for they are doors of opportunity to talk about my Heavenly Father through the wonderful privilege of prayer. I know he will see me through it all. God is bigger than all these challenges and I feel so close to him when I have so many things to talk over with him. I thank God every day for the challenges he has given me.”

At that moment I felt challenged and wondered if I could accept all the burdens she was bearing as challenges. I felt this kind of thanksgiving would be some of the hardest things that one could give my friend was giving it all out of sincere love. She did not permit her challenges to defeat her, but found joy in their potential good. She accepted each challenge in the spirit of joy. Every Thanksgiving Day I remember in thankfulness the lessons, this dear friend taught me and thankful living and giving. Many years have passed since that visit and the kitchen of my friend over a cup of tea. Since that morning long ago, I too have faced many challenges, which at times have seemed overwhelming and insurmountable. I have learned when one accepts the challenges and a spirit of thankfulness, we can find joy and peace, and have a quiet heart.

Warm Thoughts: We derive the greatest joy from the fact that we have people to love. Martin Luther. A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues. Cicero. May you have a thankful Thanksgiving season.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

November 23rd 1995

Published by the Marion Record

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