We have become so accustomed to thinking of Thanksgiving in terms of gratitude for material blessings and for nature's bounty that we find it hard to think in terms of being grateful for God's good gifts that are hidden in experiences we resist or try to avoid. So------
Let us thank Godfor the opposition we have had to meet, the resistance that has forced us to put forth our best effort, the disputes that have compelled us to re-examine our arguments and eliminate the flaws.
Let us thank God for the struggles that have caused us to grow, the defeats that have kept us humble, and the dangers that have kept us alert.
Let us thank Godfor the risks we have had to take, that have brought out hidden strengths.
Let us thank God for some of the enemies we have made, for to have no enemies means that we have not taken issue with wrong, defied any evil, or rallied to the defense of the oppressed.
Let us thank God for our critics who tell us the truth about ourselves.
and ABOVE ALL'
Let us thank God that good has often come out of evil, that struggles we would have preferred to avoid have turned to blessings; that confident in His love and goodness we have found strength and courage to face whatever comes - to "run the race that is set before us."
