“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“Sam, I’ve been watching you work at your desk. What are you so happy about all the time? Even as you work through a stack of reports, I’ve watched your lips move and you smile a lot. What’s the matter with you?” Jacob asked as he poked his friend. Together they stood in the breakroom enjoying a cup of coffee and talking about what made Samuel such a joyful person.  “The short story is this, Jacob. Long ago I turned my life over to the Lord. He has changed me from being a miserable, complaining, unhappy man into one who is learning to be thankful. This morning as I worked through my reports, I thanked the Lord that I wouldn’t be doing these in Heaven! Then it hit me how thankful I should be that I have work and income for my family. Why, I have so much for which to be thankful. I can even look up and see you across the work area,” Sam teased as he poked his friend in the shoulder. Both men laughed and returned to their desks. This was the starting point for Jacob to start thinking about spiritual things. How about you? Is your thanksgiving noticeable to others?

For today: As I think of the goodness of the Lord, I have much for which to be thankful. How about you?