Sophia’s conditions were beyond comprehension.  She and her four young children had been living in a hotel room that was serving as a homeless shelter for four months.  There was little space to navigate the room, as mattresses and the family’s personal belongings filled it from wall to wall.  It was stifling hot with a foul odor.  A mini-fridge held the bare essentials.  She was limited to cooking meals in a small microwave.  The hotel parking lot was unsafe for the children to play due to traffic and a pattern of property and violent crimes in the area.  This mother had been waiting for public housing for years, with no sight of nearing the top of the list.

These were not circumstances for which I would ever consider giving thanks, yet, she was hopeful.  Hopeful for the prospect of a brighter future for her children; they looked to her for strength.  She smiled and expressed her gratitude for the Thanksgiving meal delivery, and closed the door.

God’s will for His children is to express gratitude for His providence. How often do we refrain from acknowledging Him in times of hardship and uncertainty? We are called to give thanks in all circumstances and consider how we define and frame His blessings.

Let us be thankful for His salvation in Jesus Christ. Happy Thanksgiving.