Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Yesterday my American friends and family celebrated Thanksgiving. It was made a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln. The Native Americans view this holiday with mixed feelings. It was born out of the European settlers celebrating thanksgiving every time they won a battle, killed or subdued a Native American tribe. History is sometimes hard to forget. It is emotionally and spiritually devastating when the thing that brings joy to other persons bring you pain,

There are so many of these situations on a personal level. My cousin’s father was murdered on her birthday about 6 years ago, and her birthday has never been the same.

The attitude and celebration of thanksgiving, of gratefulness provides an opportunity to stop and reflect on our blessings, to be grateful to, and for the relationships that have done well, that has sustained us that have withstood disagreements and the storms of life. Relationship with family and friends who have become family. Many gather similarly to how we as Jamaicans gather at Christmas and Independence.

Paul encourages us to be thankful no matter the circumstances. This is not an easy ask. The popular versions of the bible say Rejoice. But may require a rewiring of the brain. A rethinking that allows you to experience a deep seated joy in the face of adversity. There are things we cannot change. Life happens. In spite of the difficulty we face, we must be grateful.

The passage speaks to three things Joy, prayer, and gratitude. Three powerful states or attitudes encouraging us to feel them all at once. As spiritual people the ability to find joy, to pray and to be always grateful is found in the hope and promise that God is always present and that God guides always in ways we cannot imagine. The physical benefits of gratefulness cannot be overemphasized as one’s stress level subsides as you put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea. Our relationship with Jesus, as we remain rooted and grounded in Him and Gods love, sustains the spirit of joy. Its our relationship with the divine within us that enables us to be persistent in prayer, and to express thankfulness in all situations.

While I don’t celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving, I have had reason to reflect on my own journey. I am able to say thanks. Some of the recent things I am grateful for:

1. I was able to visit an old friend a few weeks ago. When I saw her, I said thank you Lord, I can die now. That was the kind of joy I felt in seeing my old pal again. On that occasion I met up with 3 other old friends.
2. I have a friend who constantly checks in every week. I am grateful. A great sounding board and she encourages me.
3. Yesterday, I visited with someone whose life I impacted, and I could feel the love, joy and gratefulness of seeing me. She continually tells others about our relationship.

I realize there are so many things to be thankful for. They are all to be found in our relationship with others. Those whose views differ from yours or for whom you can do no right, provide the ability to be grateful for tolerance and patience. Those who accept us and love us as we are make us grateful with humility and like Elizabeth who’s womb jumped in the presence of Mary, our hearts flutter and we are have a sense of satisfaction for having them in in our lives.

Being cheerful no matter what means rejoicing always. We can find joy through our faith in Jesus Christ, in our relationships with other people and the blessings we receive in life. It doesn’t mean that there will not be situations that will get us down or that persons will not disappoint. It just means that these road blocks are surmountable. A grateful heart changes our view. The grass looks greener, the sky is blue and life is sweet.

Gratefulness as Paul implies comes from being who God says you are to be. May we have the courage and persistence to become who God wants us to be. I pray we are able to be always grateful.