Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining!

Each time I sit down to write my Thankful Thursday post, I find myself 'trying' to figure out what I am 'thankful' about.  This morning is no different...except that I found myslf thinking, "Why do I have to 'try' to figure out what I am thankful about?"  Truly, why should we have to 'try' to think about being thankful?  Each and everything that is in our life...even the bad...is something for which we can and should be thankful. 

How can we be thankful for the 'bad' things in our life?  Well, remember the old saying "every cloud has a silver lining?"  That's how we can be thankful for the 'bad' in our life.  Consider the things in your life that are less than pleasant to be a cloud...and look for that silver lining.  I'll bet that you won't have to look very far to find it. 

Another thing to consider is that if your entire life was filled with nothing but 'good,' you would never learn to appreciate your life.  We can't live our entire life on a mountain top.  We have to be in a valley on occasion in order to fully appreciate those mountain tops.  No one likes to be in a valley.  No one likes to have 'bad' things happen to them or their families.  But when those times come...look for that silver lining...and know that there will be an end to the 'bad' time and appreciate that the good time is on its way!

So, with all that said...today I am thankful for this time when I don't seem to have enough funds to go around...I know that God is in control and He will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).  I am thankful that God is supplying our drought ridden area with moisture in the form of snow.  Any kind of moisture will most certainly be a help to our farmers.  I am thankful for a roof over my head and a warm place to rest during this much needed snow storm.  I am thankful for God's hand of protection over my granddaughter as she journeys to her basketball tournament during this snow event.  I am thankful that God 'allowed' me to have the flu last week.  You may ask why I would be thankful for something like that.  Well, because I am a VERY busy person who takes little time to stop and 'rest.'  Because I had the flu and was so sick...I had 5 days of bed rest.  No, I didn't feel well, but God allowed me to get some much needed rest ... due to the flu.  The rest was the 'silver lining' to my cloud! 

I learned a long time ago to rely on Romans 8:28 (NIV) for everything in my life.  "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."  No, the flu isn't a 'good' thing but it allowed me to get some much needed sleep and rest...it worked for my good.

So...don't look at your circumstances as they are...look for that silver lining and know that God is in control!  Have a thankful Thursday!

God bless,