What you don’t often hear is thanks given for things like health problems or financial troubles or some other unwelcome event that made life difficult. Yet, does not God want us to give thanks in all things? In fact, His instruction is made all the more emphatic when He adds: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18). 

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:18)

Just as turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are part of our Thanksgiving tradition, so is going around the table to give an expression of thanks. Adults and children alike are enjoined to come up with something to thank God for over the past year.

Typically, those gathered will thank God for family. Less typical will be expressions of gratitude for some life event, such as job promotions or home purchases.

What you don’t often hear is thanks given for things like health problems or financial troubles or some other unwelcome event that made life difficult. Yet, does not God want us to give thanks in all things? In fact, His instruction is made all the more emphatic when He adds: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).

With that in mind, I decided to take a different approach to thanks giving this year. With the feast spread before us and our plates brimming with delectables, their aromas arousing our salivary glands and setting our stomachs to clamor, I gave an unusual instruction prior to saying grace.

After explaining God’s direction to give thanks in all things, I urged each of those seated to share of some hardship or disappointment.

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