Gratitude

It has taken a life time and maybe a bit more, but ever so slowly the reality of what it means to be thankful is slowly dawning upon this very slow learner.  I think the Apostle Paul was writing about being grateful when he wrote, "I have learned to be content with whatever I have."  (Philippians 4:11)  "Whatever I have"  does not necessarily have to speak of those things we hold in our hands which might suggest to us that we are rich, or poor.  Actually, the longer we ponder the passage, the less it seems that it is pointing us to the external stuff as much as it points us to the things which come as a part of our living.  

I think often in these days of the words found in Romans which says, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God..."  (Romans 8:28).  It, too, is a Word which has at its core the idea of contentment and if contentment, then gratitude.  Finding the the truth of this passage has not always been easy.  What has come to me through the wisdom of others who are further along the way than I have walked is the truth that sometimes the darkness is so great, so overwhelming, that it is necessary to look at the edges of it in order to live with gratitude when common sense says there is nothing here except that which should create bitterness and a whining spirit.  Learning to look on the edge of the darkness has taken some doing, but again, ever so slowly, understanding is coming even if it is more like a glimmer than a panoramic view.    

And, perhaps, part of this journey toward being thankful in all circumstances is found in one other word from I Corinthians 10:13 which says, "God is faithful, and will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it."  So, in the midst of the darkness when nothing is making any sense and hope seems like an illusion, we can be grateful that even then God is caring for us.  It may seem like a strange expression of care for us, but in the final analysis there is no other way to see it.  We are never out there alone.  We are never without what we need to get through whatever.  We are never but one more step away from where He is and where He is enabling us to be..