Giving Thanks

Aunt Marion says...

Sometimes it’s downright hard to give thanks for the problems we face. I know we’re supposed to, but let’s be honest—some days it takes a little extra grace just to smile, let alone be thankful.

I remember reading a story in Corrie Ten Boom’s book about her time in a concentration camp during World War II. The women in her barracks held secret Bible studies and prayer meetings with one precious, hidden Bible. But they were constantly tormented by fleas. Corrie’s sister, bless her heart, just couldn’t bring herself to be thankful for those fleas. Later, they discovered the guards stayed away from their barracks because of the fleas. If the guards had come in, they would’ve stopped the women from praying and taken away their Bible. Those awful little fleas were actually God’s protection.

That story sticks with me. It reminds me that even in the messiest, itchiest, most uncomfortable parts of life, God is still at work. So, I thank Him for the difficulties I face. In the grand scheme of things, they’re not that big—though, truth be told, they feel pretty big to me sometimes. But who knows? There could be a blessing hidden in there somewhere.

And even if I don’t see it right away, I can rest easy knowing my Jesus is walking beside me through it all.

Thanks, Jesus… and thank You for not sending me fleas.