"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As the flames licked high into the air only 50 yards from the new house that our daughter, Alison, and son-in-law, Scott, had just built in Highlands, California, we shared a prayer across the miles by cell phone: "Thank you, Lord, that this situation has never happened to us before. Thank you, Lord, that many lives were spared. Thank you, Lord, that all these new neighbors have been bonded together with a common cause for good. And finally, thank you, Lord, that we were not the arsonists who started these fires. May they be guided to turn themselves in."

The scripture says, "Give thanks in all circumstances." Most of us will have no difficulty doing that on this Thanksgiving Day, for we have so much to be thankful for already.

But for some of us, it may be more difficult. Some of us are unemployed or underemployed, and aren't sure where the next paycheck is coming from. Some of us have loved ones in very poor health, or are not well ourselves, and we find this difficult to cope with day after day. Some of us have lost precious loved ones to death during this past year, and the empty seat at the table will mean a re-living of our loss. Some of us have family relationships that are very strained or have fallen apart, and holidays seem to point that out.

How can we do what Paul is suggesting -- giving thanks in all circumstances? Can he be serious?
Yes, the Apostle Paul is serious. However, be sure to notice that the scripture does not say to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. Even though we may be suffering some pain right now, we can, like Alison and Scott, find reasons for giving thanks. It may not be easy, and it may take time. But we can and should do it!

Above all, we must never forget to give thanks for this -- God is faithful; He loved each of us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us, and NOTHING can separate us from that love.

I personally give thanks for you each of you and for the outpouring of love and caring that is the hallmark of Salem United Methodist Church.

May you give thanks to the Lord with your whole heart during this Thanksgiving season for His many blessings.

~ Rev. Linda