Giving Thanks in All Times - Pt. 6

 

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 ESV).

 

This day before Thanksgiving I want us to fast-forward to 2025. For those of you who are not familiar with Aggie Tradition, a little background might be helpful. Aggie Rings are one of the most important traditions we have. It is a celebration of an achievement that we pride ourselves in earning. In fact, one of the statements heard at the ring ceremony is that they are earned not given. The picture today was taken on Kyle Field of our three generations of Aggies. Faith and Logan earned their rings this year just as their parents and grandparents did many years ago. It was a wonderful moment. It was very easy to be thankful.

 

These are times when it is easy to be thankful. The other times, when it is more difficult, we often turn our attention to “being patient.” However, as the apostle Paul summarizes our attitude, he says it is God's will for us to be thankful "in all circumstances." It may help to note that Paul is not saying we should be thankful for all circumstances but in them. When things seem to go against us, I think God expects us to be grateful that his hand holds us and helps us to endure under the strain. That's a big challenge, to look for reasons to be thankful when the going is tough.

 

Sometimes it can be equally difficult for us to be thankful when things are going well. We might not think it would be that way. After all, when things go well, we have so much to be grateful for. But the very nature of human beings, even if we are Christian, is to overlook the multitude of God's good gifts to us every day. Let me suggest that today you sit still where you are and exercise the gift of noticing. Notice what you see, what you have, and who is with you. Notice the color, beauty, and variety around you. Keep noticing, and make a list of the gifts you notice. Then give thanks to God, the great giver!