“In everything, give thanks.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
It’s always been one of my favorite stories, and I can’t think of a better time to share it than at Thanksgiving.
The only character in this story is a man named Vance. He’s one of my favorite Dry Creek friends. He told me this story years ago and I’ve returned to it many times.
Vance had one of those situations no one likes: a broken water line. As he struggled with it in the mud, he had one of those moments. I’ll let him tell his story from here:
“As I worked on the water line on my knees, I just stopped and thanked God for running water.”
There are times we must look carefully to count our blessings.
Here are a few thoughts on Vance’s story:
- Thankfulness helps us look at the big picture.
- Thankfulness is more of an attitude than anything else.
- Thankfulness is a choice.
- Finally, thankfulness is a habit that can be cultivated daily in our lives.
This story is short, but it packs a punch. It’s one I’ve returned to over the years. I hope it is a blessing to you as well.
My hope for all of us at Thanksgiving is that we’ll fine-tune the habit of gratitude in our lives.
A Thanksgiving prayer:
“Lord, you’ve given me so many things. I only ask for one more thing: a grateful heart.”
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Curt Iles