Can you be thankful for a poke in the eye?
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:2
Waking up to a flat tire and knowing that three of them were badly in need of replacement was bad enough. I had not planned on buying new tires anytime soon, but I had to so I could work. Follow that up with a really difficult day of work and some rejection in support development (raising support for our ministry) I was really struggling. Then on my last assignment of the day, I walk back to my car to find a parking ticket. I was using an app to pay for parking and when my deliver ran long, I was unable to extend it soon enough. Ugh. I actually said, "ugh." I came home pretty dejected.
When I told Carrie about my feelings, she reminded me that I was writing a blog on thankfulness. She's so much help. Sometimes you just want to wallow a little.
...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Am I really to give thanks in ALL circumstances? Seriously? Ugh again. But there it is in God's word. So I will. I will give thanks and rejoice that "various trials" produces endurance and maturity.
Here's the payoff. I long for the day that I hear my savior and Lord say, "Good work. You've been faithful." I don't know about you, but thinking about that makes me well up with joy.
