Earlier this year, I drove over a razor blade, slashing one of my new tires. I didn’t pay for the warrantee, so now I have three great tires and one iffy one.

I weigh more now than I ever have in my life, which makes it difficult to be as active as I’d like. It also makes me hesitant to pose for pictures (as I don’t necessarily want proof of my weight gain).

My first book released this year, but I didn’t market it as well as I thought I did/hoped I would. It sold great to my family and friends, but has since stalled in the sales department.

My husband’s new job is closer to home, but he had to take a pay cut. We’re back to living paycheck to paycheck, which isn’t fun.

I finally found a dentist that I love (which wasn’t easy — I have severe dentist anxiety), and he moved downstate.

I never thought I’d be 40 and childless, but here I am.

Not much to be thankful for, right? On the contrary:

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, New Living Translation)

That can be right, can it? I mean, I wanted to get married, have kids, and be the fit mom who goes to the beach with them, then reads them stories at bedtime. That’s never happened.

But God’s word doesn’t say that our happiness depends on our circumstances; it says to be thankful in all circumstances. Our thankfulness doesn’t depend on what’s happening around us. It’s our choice.

I know, my issues aren’t as bad as most people’s. Many others suffer more than me, but here’s the awesome news: God’s word is for everyone, not just me! And God wouldn’t tell us to be thankful in all circumstances if it wasn’t possible.

Despite what you may feel today or what’s happening around you, you can be thankful because there’s a God who loves you and has a way for you. So wherever you are today — whatever’s going on — I pray that you’ll find hope (and thankfulness!) in that promise.

Happy Thanksgiving!