In Everything Give Thanks

In everything give thanks... I have been reminded of these words so many times during my visits to Africa. I have seen smiles on the faces of... children with no shoes, men carrying heavy loads on their backs, families with very little food to eat, children that have been abandoned, and pastors riding bicycles for transportation over many jungle miles.

How much does it take to make a person happy? This question remains in my mind these days. So often we try the accumulation of things to bring joy and happiness. This desire to accumulate drives us to work hard only to discover that things do not bring joy. God has blessed us in so many ways, yet we often take the blessings for granted and do not give thanks.

As we handed out candy, pencils and flip flops, the people were so thankful and appreciative. The big smiles of thanks were such a blessing and conviction at the same time. How often we argue about who has the biggest or the most. Would we be thankful for just one of the aforementioned items?

How joyful the people were, singing many songs of praise! The smiles on their faces indicated that the songs were heart-felt. Yet, some of them did not have a building and were worshiping under a thatched roof construction. Others did have a small structure they had built themselves by making the bricks and then constructing the building. No pews, chairs or carpet can be found in their churches. However, sitting on the ground or maybe a concrete or wooden bench with no back did not alter their joy and happiness in the Lord. They were grateful and joined in the worship of the Lord with smiling faces.

What a great blessing to see God working in lives around the world and observing the trust and happiness in His provisions! Maybe it would be good to stop for a few moments, reflect on the blessings of God in your life, and in everything, give thanks to God.