Thanksgiving in the Midst of Hardship = Peace with God

It’s very easy to fall into a “me” focused relationship with God, seeing God as as some form of genie or Santa Claus. Many times when we don’t get the “gift” or “wish” that we wanted, our relationship with God tends to deteriorate – what horrible creatures we are! Instead of thinking of what we want from God, let’s start thanking God for what He has already so freely given to us.

I read this at the “Especially Heather” blog :

Heather is a mom who is part of the Moms of Grace community who, in the past year, found out and then has been treated for brain cancer. One of her children, Emma Grace, has had a myriad of medical difficulties and is currently on the wait list for her (second?) heart transplant. Needless to say, Heather and her family have been through three or four life-times worth of hardships – yet they are strong Christians and are still praising God in the midst of these trials.

What a beautiful example of faith! I am eternally thankful that they are blogging and sharing their ups and downs through the lens of scripture with the rest of the world.

Coming from this family, the following is especially meaningful:

DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive.

I am thanking you because I made it through the day’s difficulties.

I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.

I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I’m thanking YOU, God…You haven’t given up on me.