How Did I Get Here?

Ah, Thanksgiving. Has 2020 roughed you up a bit? A most unusual year, to be sure. Perhaps you’re really not feeling it this year with regard to Thanksgiving. As our turkey was doing the slow roast out on the smoker in anticipation of Thanksgiving dinner, there was time to reflect on life. For many of us, it has been a ride, for sure. Upon a bit of pondering, I’m offering a couple of primers to consider that just may help move the needle of your life back in the direction of “in everything give thanks.” They helped me (as did the smell of that turkey). Think about these:

·      I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for – (Parents, family, friends, circumstances, God’s grace, etc., you pick). 

·      I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for – (Same categories, or others). 

The simple truth is that other people, circumstances and opportunities, and certainly God’s guidance and His working in our lives influence how we got where we are today. Yeah, it’s easy to think “I would be better off if it wasn’t for…”  That, however, is the “anti-thanksgiving” virus that drains our hearts of thankfulness, and causes us to overlook the many people, circumstances, and God-given opportunities that have shaped our lives. The vaccine for that is to reflect on all that God has done to bring you to this point of life. And thank Him for whatever may lay ahead, knowing His faithfulness is visible looking back, and trustworthy looking forward. 

Take time today to marvel at who you are, and how you got where you are, thanking God for all those who had a part in shaping your life, and thanking Him for bringing you to this very point. 

In everything, give thanks.