I’ve been reflecting on my life this morning and sitting with the concept of what it means to be thankful.
When you look up what it means to be thankful, it’s described as having appreciation for something good. But that definition doesn’t sit right with me. It’s easy to be thankful for all the good things that we have or that happen to us. To be thankful for the rest is the true feat.
To be thankful for the though times and difficult situations we’re put through…to hold onto gratitude when your world is shaken and your soul is sad…that’s what distinguishes a thankful person from the rest. It’s hard to see why we should be thankful for those times…that is, until you realize they’re happening to shape you.
All of the persecution we face is meant to shape and sharpen us. I believe it’s designed to make us, or rather, develop us into the people we’re meant to be. I believe the suffering we face leads us closer to our purpose…that it reveals our strength and shows us who we are at our core.
It’s easy to pretend to be better than we really are when times are good, but when they’re not, we get to really see ourselves, thereby getting the opportunity to change…and for that, I’m thankful.