1 Thess 5. 16-18 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you.
Yesterday was one of those days when lots of things go wrong. One bike customer was annoyed with me that his repair was taking so long, and he let me know. My neighbour was upset with me because another customer had parked across his driveway, understandably annoyed. I found that I had been paying for something over the last six months online, that I thought had been cancelled. I could still not find my bank card that I lost the other day. Another bike I thought was ready for a customer had a problem with the steering and would now take even longer. So, when Paul tells us to be joyful always and give thanks in all circumstances, I think he could be asking a “bit much”!
But at the end of the day as Di and I had communion together and started to pray and give thanks for the bread and wine, I began to fill up with gratitude for what Jesus had done for us on the cross. Not every day will necessarily be good, but what he has done, and does for us each day is good.
As I reflected on the day, I began to be grateful for all the good things that had happened. I have work and am getting paid. One of my neighbours baked us some flapjacks to say thank you for lending our stepladders. They were delicious. The customer who complained about the length of time the repair took, went away smiling with his bike in full working order and a free repair. My neighbour texted me back saying sorry for overreacting about the parking. I will probably finish the steering repair in super quick time today. What is more I’m healthy and well and so are my family, and I belong to a good church that is doing lots of good creative things during this lockdown – so much to be thankful for. I am learning to be thankful in all circumstances.
How are you doing on the thankfulness scale? Why not stop during the day sometime and give thanks for a few of the things Jesus has done and is doing for you and I guarantee you will feel different during the day.
