Key events/ideas in today’s reading:

• Thoughts on the Coming of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)
• Warning Against Idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
• Paul’s Instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:1-16)
• Encouragement to be Faithful (2 Timothy 1:3-2:13)
• Doing What is Good (Titus 3:1-11)

Verse that stood out: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

A few years ago, it because popular for people to post a sentence or two of thanksgiving on their social media account every day of November leading up to Thanksgiving. I’ve noticed less of that this year. Maybe the idea has simply run its course. That’s ok. There are plenty of ways to offer thanks without posting something to Facebook.

There may be less public gratitude because this has been such a challenging year. Your family may be like my family. We’re facing a Thanksgiving holiday without all the people we love being able to sit around the same table. I’m certainly not thankful for that!

Fortunately, God doesn’t command us to be thankful for all things. He does command us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). There is a difference. I don’t know anyone who’s thankful for all things. If I did, I’d probably think they were crazy or lying.

I have known a few people who were able to give thanks in all circumstances. These people aren’t folks who deny the reality of hardships. They are people who trust that there is no hardship that can seperate us from the love of God. They are able to see God at work even during the most difficult days.

Here’s the thing. Gratefullness is a skill we can develop. All it takes is practice. I’ll go first.

I’m thankful . . .

• that the reason I’m not able to spend Thanksgiving with family is due caution over the virus and not the fact that someone I love has passed away this year or is severely ill.
• that my church family has continued to choose to stick with community over isolation by worshiping in person or online each week. I realize how difficult it is to stay connected this season and how easy it would be to check out. I’m so grateful for the many who have refused to give up on their church family.
• for all the dinners and weekends with my family this weird year has provided. We have watched movies, played games, and simply enjoyed each others presence. My time with children at home is drawing to a close. I’m grateful for a bit more time for them this year.
• for the good news about a vaccine. For all the hidden blessings in this year, I’ll still be glad to see the world make significant progress in fighting this virus next year.

Now it’s your turn. What are you thankful for?

For tomorrow:

• Cover to Cover: Philemon 1:1-James 2:7
• Key Passage: James 1:2-27
• Verse of the Day: James 1:27