The clock ticks and I realize that it’s near time to cut carrots and potatoes for the roast that must be in the oven within thirty minutes if we plan on eating dinner tonight. The pressing needs of running a household are constant and my attitude struggles to keep up.
I rise out of my chair and something catches my eye on the screen; a picture of paradise with waves crashing in the distance, the sun warming the sand, and how badly I wish I were there, away from this cold, unsettled winter. And I see the caption under the picture: God is so good!
And indeed, He is good. But…
But what about the days when our bones ache from the relentless cold winds? Is God still good when our toes aren’t curled in the warm sands of paradise?
Is He still good when dishes spill over the sink and endless diapers need changing?
Is He still good when laundry piles high and money falls short?
When days are filled with appointments in hopes that a child walks and talks and a job becomes unfulfilling, what do we hope for?
Can we utter His holy name, without curse, when family threads unravel with the pain and ugliness of divorce, and relationships sever?
What about when the death of a beloved daughter brings a mother to her knees and her body atrophies with grief, and each morning, she is met with the realization that is isn’t a dream at all. When she is left with only memories, what then?
When my hands grow tired of folding laundry and my heart aches for the grief of a friend; When the weight of life becomes too much and I feel as though I just might rip open and spill out, I ponder these words:
“One act of thanksgiving
when things go wrong with us
is worth a thousand thanks when things
are agreeable to our inclinations.”
Saint John of Avila
I think about this word thanks. It leads me to Jesus’ feet, and suddenly I am in the room with him on the night of the last supper, and my eyes are opened.
Luke 22:17And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
On the night of his betrayal and the eve before his blood would be poured out, a sacrifice for us, he gave thanks…twice.
Why do I struggle to give thanks even once?
In a world where we measure God’s goodness by our current circumstances; how warm the sun is or how comfortable our lives are, we struggle to see the true depth of His goodness.
Happiness is fleeting. It’s here one moment and gone the next. But giving thanks – even when our hands are cracked and our hearts broken – allows us to see the God-beauty in the midst of the brokenness.
Yes, God is good. He’s good in paradise, when the sun shines heavy and warm, and our days are filled laughter and contentment. But true joy comes from knowing God and being thankful for His goodness even when the cold winds of life cover you like a dark blanket.
Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
5 For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal;
His faithfulness endures through all generations.
