At the Well - Having A Thankful Heart

Today's At the Well is hosted over at Women Taking A Stand. Today the discussion centers around Having A Thankful Heart - In the Midst of Difficult Times.

Some questions we are discussing are:
How do you give thanks during a difficult time?
Share a testimony of how God helped you through a difficult time.
Share a memorable Thanksgiving.

We all know how easy it is to be thankful when things are going well. During these times we thank God for all that He has given us, all He does for us etc. I find that when things are not so good, when we have a serious need or situation, that thankfulness does not seem to flow so well. It takes some digging deep to get past the thoughts of what I need NOW(!), to find piled underneath is the realization that even though things are bad, there is still much to be thankful for. When my feelings fail me, God's Word brings my heart back around to the truth that God loves me and cares for me and in every situation, He has an answer. Many times I lean on His Word and a favorite Scripture is: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 This reminds me that I don't have to worry, I can pray about anything, reflect on the blessings and thank God for them. When I do this, He gives His peace which has no limit and is so overwhelming and abundant, even though the circumstance may not have changed, His peace is guarding my heart and mind.

The most difficult times I have experienced have been the death of my parents. My father died almost 20 years ago. His death occurred through a violent act which tore through our family like a nightmare. Following his death we were shaken by loss, gripped with fear, anger and confusion. Many times in the days as we struggled with these circumstances, my mother would remind us of ways we could be thankful. We paid closer attention to other victims of crime and would be reminded of the fact that no matter how bad things were, there was always someone who had things worse. That became somewhat of a motto for us and a way to look for blessings in the midst of tragedy. With God's strength, grace and comfort we found closure and forgiveness. My mother passed away after a sudden illness almost two years ago. Because of the attitude instilled in us that it could always be worse, we found grace and comfort in the fact that God was merciful event through our loss.

The most memorable Thanksgivings were spent at my aunt's home. My aunt and uncle lived about 6 hours from us when I was a child. It was a delight to spend time in their home and visits there were eagerly looked forward to. I realize now that the attraction was Christ's love which flowed from their hearts into their home and enveloped you with warmth and welcome. We enjoyed Thanksgiving with them a few times and the feeling of love, acceptance and home cooked meals prepared with love will forever be treasured memories and inspirations to create that atmosphere in my own home.

Thanksgiving week is a wonderful time to reflect on our blessings, remember the difficult times where we found comfort and strength and to be inspired to continue on in hope because our God reigns!