Give Thanks

Though my life has been a challenge, I also have a bucket full of blessings. When I think of them, I just smile. Since finishing my studies, I have never been unemployed or experienced sickness to the point of needing hospitalization.

God blessed me with a car at the right time in my life.

I have a roof over my head, go to the gym every day, experience good health, and thank God for all the small mercies as well.

He has given me life and talent, family, and family support.

He has also given me wonderful Christian friends —people who will encourage me but also tell me when I do wrong (even when I don’t want to hear it).

All I am saying is, let’s pause and appreciate the things that God has done for us. Look at the things you have and be grateful because some people don’t have them. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and forgive yourself.

Stop taking life so seriously. Enjoy life with all the good and bad it brings. Keep a song in your heart; encourage someone. Listen without judging, help somebody, and smile at a stranger. A happy life also comes from forgiving one another and learning to be kind. A happy and thankful life will speak blessing to others.

The essence of forgiveness is the notion of canceling a debt (Mark 11:25, 26). The question is, how do we pray when we can’t forgive those who have offended us? When we fail to forgive, bitterness increases, disagreements multiply, and despair becomes deeply rooted. Forgiveness can be a painful experience, especially when the one who hurt you never apologizes. But God breaks our spirits to save our souls. God breaks our hearts to make us whole. God allows pain in our lives so that we can be stronger. Pain is a part of life on this earth, but we can still be thankful for it.

God wants us to give Him thanks in all our circumstances (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). So let’s stop complaining and live life to the fullest, becoming the best that God intended us to be. Remember, He is the Potter, and we are just clay in His hands.

Let’s allow Him to mold us into His image and according to His plans —for our best interest. May we always give thanks to God for the blessings and the trials!

Deborah Matshaya