1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” This one small line has so much power. It is so easy for me to give thanks in some circumstances, like when I accomplish something I have set my mind to, walk on the beach during early spring, or feel complete bliss when I see someone I love…

But, what is extremely difficult, is giving thanks in circumstances that are not ideal. How am I supposed to give thanks when I fail at something I set my mind to; how in the world am I supposed to feel thankful when a loved one leaves my life or when my heart is broken? Why should I thank God for these things? Why should I show gratitude for something so negative?

I should show thanks in all circumstances because my God is a good God. My God knows the plans he has for me and he would not give me anything I can not handle. Romans 8:28 say, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So even though I may forget how strong I am, God never forgets, he knows what I can handle. He knows my plan, and good or bad, I will forever give thanks to him. So in the spirit of my favorite verse and because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, here is a list of things I am forever thankful for.

My Faith - I have the ability to freely express my faith and if that is not enough to be thankful for, I am not entirely sure what is. I can pray, lift up his name in song, study my bible, and be open with my God.

Loved Ones - Having my parents, family, and friends always beside me and supporting me fills my heart with so much love and happiness. (1 Timothy 5:4)

College - Experiencing college is not something that everyone is able to do. I am blessed to have the opportunity to take my education to a higher level and study the things I love. I have been given a platform and opportunity that only few can experience.

Love - Having the ability to love is truly amazing. Loving another human being and being loved back is a feeling I struggle to describe. I am thankful for that warm, fuzzy, truly blissful feeling of love.

The little things - Like hugging my favorite human, putting on fuzzy socks, walking on the beach, getting kisses from my pups, lunch dates, flowers, the smell of salt water, and handwritten letters.

The Kindness of others - I am thankful for the boy who gave up his seat for a female student in a crowded lecture hall, the girl who held the door open for me today, the security guard who waves at me everytime I enter school, and the boy who picked up my key when it fell out of my pocket. Kindness is something I will always and forever be grateful for.

So this week, today, and every day, I am thankful...in all circumstances.