the thoughtful plan

What am I thankful for? I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about this question until this pst Thanksgiving. I mean, sure, every year since I can remember, I get asked this question. Of course I always gave a wonderful answer: family, friends, laughter, a home, God. But for some reason, this past year, I found myself thinking about this. I mean really thinking about it. What am I thankful for? What is the one thing that, each day, truly brings me comfort?


For some reason, when I really started to think about this, I found myself mainly thinking of things that I’m not thankful for. I’m not thankful for the stress that sometimes comes with having a time-consuming job and going to school. I’m not thankful for pain. I’m not thankful for injustice. I’m not thankful for change. I’m not thankful for seeing those I love get hurt. I’m not thankful for anger. So how can I sit, on the holiday devoted to giving thanks, and think of the one thing I’m thankful for?

I think the answer is that I can’t. I cannot give an answer to why these things are wonderful, but God can. God has allowed all of the struggles and trials and difficult times come to be for a reason, because as hard as it can be to admit, He is in control of all things. I was made in His image, and in Him I live and move and grow and have my being.

God allows all things to pass, good and bad, because it is all part of His plan. My life was chosen when God planned creation, and all events and circumstances are here to fit His purpose. God actually took the time and thought about me and my life! His plan includes where I will be today, next week, and next year. He knows exactly what I am on this earth to do, and that gives me so much comfort.

So that is what I am thankful for: a thoughtful plan. I’m thankful for God’s wonderful, complete, and thoughtful plan.