I have enjoyed the process of writing out three gratitude cards each night as a part of my evening routine. This week a friend from Bible school sent me a link to a sermon he preached at his local church just before Christmas, and it gave me a new perspective on gratitude.

It has been easy to write the cards remembering the good things of the day.

“I am grateful for the delicious meal I had from the new restaurant we tried today.”
“I am grateful that my daughter had a good report at her 20-week pregnancy check-up appointment.”
“I am grateful for the beautiful sunshine today.”

It’s even possible to come up with three gratitude statements on days when things are a bit more of a struggle or don’t go just right.

“I am grateful that my car is still drivable after the doe hit my car.”
“I am grateful that I was not injured when the doe hit my car.”
“I am grateful that my husband let me cut his fingernails tonight.”

But Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things.” It doesn’t say just for good things or things we like, but ALL things. As we try to wrap our minds around the scope of that, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reinforces, “In EVERY thing give thanks.”

The Law of Dual Thought tells us we can choose to attach any feeling we desire to any thought.

So going forward, instead of just thinking of the “good” things that came my way that day, I am going to express my gratitude for everything.

“I am grateful for the unexpected bill that came in the mail.”
“I am grateful that the power went off during the thunderstorm.”
“I am grateful for the extra weight I am carrying on my body.”
“I am grateful that my husband has been sick for an extended period of time.”
“I am grateful that we spent Christmas alone this year.”

When we thank God for all things, we give it all to Him “which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” A recurring theme in Scripture and in life is something was meant for bad, but God turned it for good.

God, thanks for everything.