FROM THE PULPIT: GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR SETBACKS

On Thursday, most of us will pause from the daily repetition of the mundane to give thanks for our blessings. It amazes me how even the most hard-hearted, narrow-minded, tight-fisted curmudgeon will wistfully acknowledge a note of gratitude. For the most part, we'll give thanks for all the good things in our lives.

Of course, I feel sorry for the atheist who looks around at the blessings bestowed upon our great country, the beauty of nature, and yet has no one to thank! Giving thanks changes our hearts and helps us worship God and appreciate one another.

But we don't need to look very far before we find someone who has lost their job. More and more friends are finding their bodies invaded by cancer. Accidents hurt people every day. Marriages dissolve in divorce. As we age, we lose our loved ones to death.

Even our children are not shielded from the violent atrocities of our culture, and small towns are no haven from crime. We might even begin to wonder if there is anything left in this world for which to give thanks.

The disciples pointed out to Jesus a man who had been blind since birth. They asked the logical question: "Who's at fault for his blindness? Is it his fault or his parents' fault?"

Jesus gives a strange answer: "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (John 9:3) As the story continues, Jesus heals the blind man and no one can believe it. The man with the restored sight is overwhelmed with gratitude.

Is it possible for us to take our setbacks, the disappointments and frustrations, our limitations and disabilities, and give thanks? Can we see our failures as opportunities for God's redemptive love? Can we view our estranged relationships as an occasion to share mercy and forgiveness, the same mercy and forgiveness God extends to us?

We are often too quick to count the good things in life as reasons to give thanks. We're often too short-sighted to acknowledge the disastrous events as anything but negative experiences. We wish they never existed, but then again, have we given God a chance?

When you gather this Thursday, give God thanks for your hardship. Give thanks for the misfortunes and calamities. These are the events in our lives that strengthen our faith and prove to us the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. Let our sufferings draw us closer to God. Let the tribulations teach you patience. May the injustices and inequities of life give us hope.

Then we can know what it means when Paul told the Thessalonians, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." (5:18) Then we can celebrate Thanksgiving every day of the year.