Be thankful
It’s easy for us to be thankful when thing are going well. But what about the hard times? When the finances are low or non-existence. We have lost our job, and no one wants to hire us. A love one is near death or dies and God doesn’t answer our prayer for healing. We don’t know where the next meal is coming from. The heavens are brass and we feel lost and alone and no one cares if we live or die.
Each morning we kneel in prayer, and yet we feel as if it does no good. God is not listening. We turn to our family and our family turns away. Where is God? Does He even care? We read He loves us. That all things work together for good to them who love Him. In everything give thanks.
Should we just keep going? The little voice in our head says to just give up. The sun will never break through. Everything will just be better if we quit. But will it? Hard times come to each of us. A person hammering on a wall will never break through if they give up. God sometimes is silent to see if we have enough faith to keep going. So, keep your head up keep going in the hardest time. Remember, if there was no rain, there would be no roses.
On March 4,1921 Detroit Free Press Published a poem by Edgar Guest entitled
Keep Going
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems
To a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up when he
Might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit.
It’s when things seem worst that
You musn’t quit.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.
There are times this verse is very hard to believe. On July 20,2021, my wife died. For eleven months, she went through the worst pain a human being could endure. Several times, she was near death. She had open heart surgery to replace the aorta valve. Her third operation in our married life. In 2008 she had an emergency surgery. They only gave her a 10 percent chance of living. All over the world, people were praying for her. The Lord brought her through and give us twelve more wonderful years.
I miss her every minute. I could be bitter instead of being thankful for the twelve years God gave us. I know she is happier now than she has ever been. And as a baby coming into this cold world, she would not want to return.
America is the most blessed country on earth. No other nation has our level of lifestyle. Yet, for all our blessings, we are the most ungrateful. Over 40 million people in America were born elsewhere. People flock to this country to enjoy its blessings. Still, on Sunday morning, our churches are mostly empty. We neglect to give thanks to the one who provides for our every need. Over 56 percent of Americans have a higher income than other nations’ standard. A Gallup poll found less than half Americans were extremely proud of their country. Of Democrats only 32 percent.
Yet we want the benefit of living in a free country and turn our collective backs on the one who provides for us. It should fill our churches to overflowing and put our country on its knees in thankfulness.
Look around
1. Look around you. What are you thankful for? Do you have a family? A wife/husband children? Many a man or woman would gladly trade places with you. As you pass a hospital, thank God your family is healthy. A funeral home. You get the idea. There are so many things to thank The Lord for. Take another breath and thank The Lord you were able to.
2. Who are you giving thanks to?
The pilgrims originated the idea of setting apart a day for giving thanks to The Lord. Out of 102, only 45 survived a very rough winter. Their native American friends helped them to plant seed and, in the fall, they celebrated giving thanks first to God then to their friends.
Today Thanksgiving has turned into turkey day and a day to watch football.
As families gather around the table, each one tells what they are thankful for. Unfortunately, too many times, God is left out. Again, I ask, who are you giving thanks to?
The Bible says in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
3. Praise The Lord
In Revelation 4:8 we read. “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
Do we spend as much time praising The Lord as we do complaining? Each and every day is spent with the praises for God ringing throughout heaven. Shouldn’t we do the same on earth?
4. Thank God He answers prayers in His own way.
Can you think back to some of your prayers you are thankful for God didn’t answer? I can. Sometimes we pray for what we think we need. And when God says no, we don’t understand. Then He answers in His own way and his answer is better. So, what can we do? We need to continue to pray, of course, but not be discouraged if the answer is delayed or we don’t receive what we were asking for. God’s way is best.
5. Thank God for problems.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7.
At the time of this writing, Paul was under arrest in Rome. His charge? He had received Christ as his saviour and preaching the gospel. He was nearing the end of his life when he would be executed. Yet even in these dire circumstances, he says to rejoice. Are you going through difficulties? Thank The Lord He isn’t through with you and is still working to make you more like His son.
Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points to ponder
Make a list of the things you are thankful for. Are you thankful for trouble? What can you learn from the problems you’re going through? Is it bringing you closer to The Lord?
Dream big
Most, if not all, children’s dreams are unrestrained. They are superheroes they can conquer any dilemma. It is only when some well-meaning adults say, “Don’t get your hopes up.” Or some another dribble. Why is it so many would be artist, writers, musicians or business owners are hiding behind a work a day job? Am I saying you should quit your job and walk out on your responsibility? No, but what I am asking you is this. What would you do if you knew the sky is the limit? What was your dream? To set the world on fire? To write the great American novel? To perform some other achievement?
But you say I’m too old, too young don’t have the finances or some other obstacle. History is rampant with those who were old young or broke and yet they overcame everything in their path. The difference between them and you is they didn’t listen to the naysayers. They sought advice from those who had reached what they were looking to accomplish. They used what they had if it took years; it took years. Most importantly, they had a goal and let nothing stop them.
So, what is your attitude about problems? Remember, the same sun which hardens the clay softens the wax. Do you see problems as obstacles to overcome and to learn from, or as the end of your dream?
In a letter to Quentin Campbell, Abraham Lincoln said. “Adhere to your purpose and you will soon feel as well as you ever did. On the contrary, if you falter, and give up, you will lose the power of keeping any resolution, and will regret it all your life. “
If you see a problem as an opportunity, your attitude will be different. You will approach each problem as an obstacle to overcome and as a learning task. Each problem we face teaches something. If we don’t learn, we are bound to repeat the same mistakes again.
What is your vision? Perhaps I should put it this way. Does your vision your dream coincide with what God has in mind for you? What is your ultimate goal? Is it to be wealthy to gain worldwide fame? To have others admire and idolize you.? In the study of God’s word, we find those who would be rich piece themselves through with many sorrows. Some of the wealthiest people in the world are the most miserable. The famous find no peace.
If you analyze the lives of those who have achieved wealth or fame, you find the old saying is true: money cannot buy happiness. Despite their wealth, Bill and Melinda Gates are now divorced. Elon Musk, at 318 billion, is one of the wealthiest men in the world yet has been married three times.
Start small. You don’t have to leave your day job. A few minutes a day is better than no action at all. Some believe you have to go whole hog in order to succeed. Charles Dickens, at age 10, worked ten-hour days in a boot-blacking warehouse. No one becomes successful overnight. The ones who seem to have spent countless hours preparing for that moment. The writer worked on his novel for months and sometimes years. The author, the artist the business person overcame difficulties.
Set goals for yourself
As children, we were super heroes one day and something else the next. Our imagination soared. We were destined for greatness. Yet in all of this, our dreams were fragile. We looked to adults for encouragement. A well-meaning mother, father, teacher or someone we looked up to could crush our dream with a few words. They put doubts in our mind. ‘Don’t get your hopes up too high’. So and so tried that and failed. We don’t have the money for you to go to college. Better to have something to fall back on.’ Other statements to keep us in the safe zone. J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, said. “It’s impossible to live without failing at something.” Don’t be afraid to fail. If you are afraid to fail, you will accomplish nothing.
I have a friend who wrote a commentary on the book of Isaiah. When completed, he put it in a drawer never to see the light of day. Could he have found a publisher? Would he have to self-publish it? Would it have been used to enlighten people? His failing health indicates his writing days are over. Even if it was not widely accepted, it would have been helpful in his circle of friends. Now we will never know.
What if you tried and failed? What could you learn from this failure? You will not make the same mistake twice. Each time we fail, we learn something. Find that nugget of truth. The baby who learns to walk falls down. If he gives up, he will never walk or run. In the same way, what if you never tried? What if you shot for the moon and only hit the stars? You would be among the elite. History will not tell of the one who gave up at the first signs of a struggle.
The hatching of a butterfly to escape its cocoon is a great example. The butterfly may struggle for hours. It seems like a hard thing for the poor winged insect. However; the struggle is necessary to force fluid into the wings. If we, in our compassion, try to help the butterfly. We will harm, not help the insect. A butterfly must have this struggle to force fluid into its wings and back legs to survive.
Tom Landry said, “I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat.” If you look at it in this way, every failure is valuable. In each one you will find a nugget of truth which you will help you rise above next time.
Take a sheet of paper to analyze why you failed. What you learned and how you avoid this pitfall next time. Plan your next move.
In his attempt to invent the light bulb, Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, “I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” Because of his persistence today, we have lights.
Henry Ford said “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Henry Ford built his first automobile in his garage and then couldn’t fit it through the door. His solution? Cut out the door and make it bigger. The point is Edition and Ford found a way and so will you.
2. Rekindle your dream
At 78 Anna Mary Robertson developed arthritis rendering her unable to embroider. Friends suggested she try painting. She began with whatever materials were at hand, used house paint and leftover canvas or fireboard for her first paintings. Many years after her death, one of her paintings sold for one million. She is best known as Grandma Moses, proving you don’t have to be young to rekindle your dream.
“I look back on my life like a good day’s work. It was done, and I feel satisfied with it. I was happy and contented. I knew nothing better and made the best out of what life offered. And life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” Grandma Moses.
If not today, when? Take the first step. Write out your dreams, your goals.
So, what is your excuse? Write it down, then barnstorm it. Attack it from all directions. How can you solve the problem? Time? John Graham wrote his first novel, A Time to kill early in the morning. Need money to start? Figure out a way to get it legally. If you must lie, cheat or steal, you’re defeated before you get started. Keep your dream pure. Build your dream on honesty.
3. eliminate excuses
Can you save a few pennies?
In the early 1900s, little Hattie May Wiatt came to Sunday School. She was destressed because there was no room for all the children. She saved her pennies. A few weeks later, after she was taken ill and died. They found 57 cents in her tiny purse. She had saved these few pennies for a new church. Foolishness, you say? Her pastor, Dr. Oliver Colwell, put it on display in the church. Within five years, the little girl’s gift had increased to $250,000. Not only was a new church built but also Temple University. Proving what God can do with a few pennies and a heart dedicated to The Lord.
4. Talk to someone already there
Write a letter or email. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Of course, it goes without saying to check your spelling. Make sure you have their name right. If necessary, write and rewrite your message as many times as it takes. Send it out. If the first person doesn’t, answer sent to the second person on your list and so on.
5. Don’t give-up
The easiest thing in the world is to give up. To quit to trash your dream and become one of the millions who work day in and day out, their only hope for the weekend. The problem is Monday is coming and nothing will change unless you change it. If you keep putting off your dream, you will never active your goal. Someday you will look back with regret. Begin today to live that dream if nothing more to write your dream and goals on a sheet of paper.
6. Educate yourself
You can teach the person who knows everything, nothing. We have all met them. No matter what the subject; they are an expert. They refuse to listen to advice. They refuse to learn and, therefore, end up being ignorant of everything.
You’re never too old to learn. Each one of us must be willing to be educated. Be willing to listen to those your junior. Several years ago, someone jokingly said ‘if you want to learn about computers, ask a 10-year-old to teach you’. As I grow older, I discover how little I know.
Quite a few colleges offer online courses. Some are free, other at minimal cost. Everything from fixing your car to how to prepare a meal is available on the internet.
7. Start again
As an author, one aspect of writing is rejection and revision. After you finished with writing the last word of the manuscript, it is the time to start over. Hemingway said “I rewrote the ending to ‘Farewell to Arms,’ the last page of it, thirty-nine times before I was satisfied.”
Each one of us has to start over. Yet with every instance, we learn something new. We find a way that is problematic. We correct it and go to the next problem. Yet with every step, we make progress. Business owners, artist writers’ musicians or anyone learning a new skill will tell you of the times they came to a brick wall. There seemed to be no way over or through that wall. As they searched, they found a crack. They hammered, chiseled and worked on that tiny opening until it was big enough for them to fit through. They then went to the next problem. If we let the problems of this world stop us, all we will see is problems and not the solution. Sometimes the solution is right before us. We just have to clear the debris before it becomes clear to us. And just like hammering on that wall, it will take time.
8. Don’t paint yourself in a corner
Some have mortgaged everything they have. They work long hours sacrificing their family on the altar of business. They leave early in the morning and return late at night. Their wife becomes a stranger and their children grew up without them. They may find success in their business only to discover they have lost their family. They may active the wealth they desire only to end up lost and alone.
No amount of money can replace love. Many a person has worked for years only to lose everything of value. The houses cars and corporate status are a poor substitute for the love of a wonderful family. Children grow up spouses find different ways of fulfilling their needs. Time with a family can never be replaced.
9. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Well, guess what? You are going to fail. Even the best authors, painters, dancers and business leaders fail. What will you do with that failure? Will it stop you? Or will you learn from it? Is your dream big enough to keep you going?
16 publishers rejected John Grisham’s book A Time to Kill. 12 publishers rejected J. K. Rowling’s first novel. Both overcame the odds and are considered wealthy. Success is a rough road filled with potholes and detours.
Notes
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points to ponder
What is your dream? Take a few minutes to write it out. How will you know you have achieved success? Set goals for yourself. Set a timeline to reach that goal. Then list the obstacles you will encounter. How can you overcome them? Please don’t be naïve, there will be problems. It is best to be ready for them.