I’ve had two really good days.

I’ve been blessed to have some to time to do nothing. I haven’t shaved, and I haven’t even been in an automobile.

These days have given me the opportunity to get a lot done around my house, the kind of things that need to be done. I’ve washed windows and spent time with my chain saw and leaf blower. The weather has been great to work outside and get to relax.

While I like all the seasons of the year, I think my favorite time is right now. Walking in the woods is one of the favorite things I do. This time of year means fewer briars and no snakes–a great combination.

I have a lot to be thankful for.

We all do, but our circumstances are not the reason for our thanksgiving.

That’s a different story.

I am thankful to be a child of the king, to know that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. I am thankful for the indwelling Holy Spirit and for the promise of Christ never to forsake us. I am thankful for a loving family and for time to spend with them.

I am thankful for a church that allows and encourages time away from the normal everyday existence.

The Book of Lamentations was written after the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC. Nothing was left of the city. The walls of the city were torn down and the temple of God was destroyed. Many people died at the hands of the Babylonians. Many others went into exile and never returned.

In the middle of all that the writer of the book gave thanks to God. “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him ‘ ” (Lamentations 3:19-24).

In the worst of times, he chose to focus on God.

We serve a great God who loves and cares for us. He is faithful. Let us give thanks unto Him.