This past Sunday, our pastor preached about how Abraham Lincoln established an annual Thanksgiving day in the most trying of times. Although days of  Thanksgiving had been observed since the pilgrims, Lincoln established the first annual Thanksgiving holiday. It took place in November 1863, only four months after the battle at Gettysburg cut short roughly 50,000 American lives. And yet the President of the United States wanted the nation to be thankful. The Bible passage our pastor preached from was 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18: “Pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In all circumstances, the passage says.

Even when thousands of courageous men’s lives had ended so violently. Even when a hostile election season has shown the clear divide that still exists in our nation. Even when our country is still at war. Even when death and illness and heartache plague the people we love. We give thanks anyway.

Because, in all circumstances, there is still so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful just to remember that.

I’m thankful that, even though I’m now missing a good big of finger nail, when the vegetable peeler slipped as I peeled potatoes for dinner Tuesday night, all it shaved off was my fingernail instead of taking a part of my finger with it.

I’m thankful that, much as I hate getting up in the morning, I have a bed so warm and cozy and comfortable that I just want to snuggle in the covers all morning.

I’m thankful that we’re celebrating Thanksgiving with my family today. And again this weekend with more family.

I’m thankful that one of my photographer friends anonymously sent me a little love note via my website contact form last night to encourage me.

I’m thankful that God has shown me there are so many reasons to be thankful.May your Thanksgiving be filled with blessings, joy, and thankfulness.

~ Laura