On Days Like Today, It is good to be thankful.

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. 

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you 

who belong to Christ Jesus."

1 Thess. 5:16-18

My heart ached today. 

My sweet Emily needed me, and, according to mapquest, 

she was exactly 249.83 miles away at college and I couldn't reach her.

So...

I thanked God for giving her the opportunity to practice trusting Him.

My lifelong friend, who is really sick, got word today that her body is giving up the fight.  

I felt like my prayers had gone unanswered.

But then...

I thanked God that he was waiting for her, arms out wide, ready to grab her up in His embrace.

My oldest called and is wrestling through some things about his future and his relationships.

I wondered why life has to be so hard sometimes.

and then...

I thanked God for strengthening his "faith muscles."

It may sound noble, that I did all that "thanking" today.

But it only came after I saw this little video posted by Anne Voskamp. 

I need to practice sitting in the thankful chair more often.

God never promised us the absence of trouble, 

but he does promise us the presence of his Grace.

And with that, there is room for thanks in all things.