Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Several years ago I had the privilege of interviewing Joni Eareckson Tada, my dear friend who has lived her entire adult life as a quadriplegic. Joni has inspired countless people with her joyful resilience in the face of extreme physical limitations.
As we talked, I was captivated by the indomitable spirit and joy of this woman who has a myriad of problems that make my own seem minuscule. I asked, “How do you maintain such a joyful spirit with all the challenges you’re forced to deal with?”
With just the slightest pause, she said, “You know, Nancy, I think I’ve just disciplined myself for so many years to ‘give thanks in all things,’ that it’s become my reflex reaction.”
Of all the insights Joni shared that day, that single statement penetrated my heart the most deeply. That day the Lord showed me my need to develop a new pattern of responding, one of “giving thanks in all things” from the outset. I’m not there yet, but that’s where I want to live.
Make it Personal
How can you make gratitude your reflex reaction? How would that change your attitude toward the difficulties of life?