Last Tuesday some friends of mine watched as all their earthly belongings go up in flames. Their home burned to the ground. They lost everything. As they watched it burn, they kept hoping and believing the firefighters would be able to put it out. But their beliefs were met with harsh reality as they gazed upon the pile of ashes. . . all that was left of their security, their haven, their home. They didn't get anything out. All they had were the clothes on their backs. They lost pictures, family heirlooms, and important papers. They didn't even have their car keys, their most comfortable shoes, or their favorite pillow.
How do you make it through such devastation you may ask? Well, I'm not sure but I witnessed something this past Sunday morning that I won't soon forget. They came to church and with smiles on their faces along with some tears, they began sharing with our Bible study class of God's goodness. They boasted of the generosity of our small town saying, "Whitesboro is the best place in all the world to live."
They shared story after story of how people had shown love and compassion in the midst of their tragedy. They were overwhelmed by the love of God and others. Many friends came, cried and stood with them as their house burned. The local chicken restaurant provided food for about 60 people including firefighters the day of the fire. One firefighter volunteered to come back the next day to help Debbie dig through the rubble and search for anything salvageable. Friends who own a local B&B invited them to stay several days at their place. When getting a sandwich at a convenience store, Bob was told, "So sorry to hear about your house. There's no charge for the sandwich." Debbie stopped by the local hair salon to "borrow" a hair dryer to simply fix her hair. She left with a bag full of products and 2 hair dryers. Friends with tear-filled eyes came to take the children shopping and generously bought whatever they needed. When Debbie was shopping for clothes, two ladies she'd never met helped her and prayed for her. Another friend volunteered to help Debbie gather and recreate photos of her deceased son which were lost in the fire.
Bob then shared with our group that the fire had caused them to realize what is really important in life. Their life had instantly been simplified. He said that he was thankful for the consequences that have come from their house burning down.
Wow! That's amazing. How can you be thankful in the midst of tragedy? Do you simply ignore your pain? No, because that would be denial. God's word says it so clearly in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." You see it doesn't say, just be thankful, not mentioning your concerns. But along with your requests, worries and fears, be thankful.
You know I have discovered in my own life that a thankful heart is rarely discontent. Let me say that again, "A thankful heart is rarely discontent." I may have to make a list of 10 things that I'm thankful for to remind me to be thankful, but it does allow God to change my perspective.
During this Thanksgiving season, instead of complaining about what you don't have, think about all you do have. Thank God and then share your thankful heart with someone else . . . It will do their heart good too!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Laurie
All of us and Addison thank you!!
As we think back over the year for everything we're thankful for, you as our partners in prayer and in financial support certainly are near the top!
Without your prayers and support we could not continue sharing the message of hope God has given us for families.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6
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