Sometimes blessings seem to be overflowing. But what about times when they're not? |
Thanksgiving means different things to many people: Pilgrims
and native Americans sharing a meal; turkeys – living, or roasted
and stuffed; family and friends getting together to stuff themselves;
traditional football games; Grandma’s favorite recipes; holiday parades; pecan
or pumpkin pie. Some people actually see it as a day for truly giving thanks to God for blessings they’ve experienced over the past year.
But what if the day arrives and you don’t feel thankful?
You’ve recently lost a dear loved one; confronted seemingly insurmountable
financial problems; dealt with serious health issues; faced intense family
conflict; lost a job, or just feel like has dealt you a bad hand in general and
there’s no re-deal. How can you be thankful for things such as these?
Years ago I helped my friend, Albert, write a booklet about
his life titled, “Saying ‘Thank You’ Even When You Don’t Feel Thankful.” Those
who know him understand he’s had many reasons for not feeling thankful.
He grew up in the Netherlands during World War II, enduring
great poverty and near-starvation. He and his family subsisted on tulip bulbs
and occasional sugar beets. One result of malnutrition was contracting
tuberculosis and being confined to a bed for more than three years, 2½ of those
in a hospital far from his family.
After immigrating to the United States, Albert worked hard
and eventually became a successful entrepreneur, but has endured various
vocational setbacks and other illnesses, including cancer. He’s got every reason
to not be thankful, whether at Thanksgiving or any other time. And yet, he’s
perhaps the most joyful, thankful person I know.
Why? He insists there’s only one reason – his relationship with Jesus
Christ and confidence that no matter what happens, God is with him every step
along the way, providing comfort, strength and whatever else is needed to
endure and overcome his adversities.
Albert explains, “God is in control of all things. When you
accept Christ, your life is going to be totally changed. One of those changes
is that you realize everything is going to be all right, no matter what.
“I have seen God prove this in my life many times,” he says.
“I’ve had half of a lung removed because of a faulty biopsy report. One night I
was riding in a car on the German Autobahn. Suddenly a car stopped directly in
front of us. We struck it going about 95 miles an hour, yet I was able to walk
away from the accident. And I’ve had many ups and downs in business.
“God never promises things will be easy when you become a
Christian, but He does promise He will take care of you no matter what the
circumstances may be.”
For Albert, reflecting on his life’s highs and lows, one
passage from the Bible sums up the hope – confident assurance and earnest
expectation – that has sustained him during his adult life: “Be joyful always; pray continually, give
thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1
Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Having known Albert for more than 30 years, I know these are
not empty words or platitudes, but the heartfelt expression of a man who has
walked intimately with God and wouldn’t trade his life with anyone or for anything.
2 comments:
What a powerful and moving post. Thank you! . . . on Thanksgiving Day!
I particularly was struck by Albert's comment that "When you accept Christ, your life is going to be totally changed. One of those changes is that you realize everything is going to be all right, no matter what."
Thanks, Heidi. Albert is one of my heroes, a true example of what a follower of Jesus is - and should be like.
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