When Amelia asked me to do a post for her 30 Days of Thankfulness series, my mind immediately jumped to all the things I take for granted on a daily basis: family, friends, Chipotle, abundant hiking paths close to my house, coffee, etc.
I generally attach thankfulness to the things that bring me joy or warm fuzzy feelings.
When I was a kid I’d sometimes hear adults say they were thankful for a difficult season. Some even had the audacity to say they wouldn’t change their weaknesses or circumstances because of the good they’d seen come out of those situations.
While I still don’t completely understand the why of our weaknesses and trials, I have a little more perspective on how God uses these things to shape us, mold us, and make us more like Him.
So, this year I’ve decided to specifically give thanks for the circumstances that have brought me the most trials. Specifically:
1.I’m thankful for my lack of natural talent. Because of it I’ve learned how to work hard.
2. I’m thankful that God has withheld a number of life’s milestones and successes. Because of it I’ve learned to celebrate the “little things,” which are often actually the “big things” in the long run.
3. I’m thankful for my singleness. Because of it I have the freedom to serve, go, learn, and grow.
4. I’m thankful for the long season of loneliness and depression I experienced in my teens and 20s. It’s driven me to reach out to others who might be lonely and to encourage young women that life gets better.
5. I’m thankful for not having it all together. Because of it I have compassion for others who are struggling.
6. I’m thankful for my tendency toward cynicism. While cynicism isn’t a godly mindset, recognizing my bent toward it has taught me to always go back to the joy and purpose Christ offers unconditionally.
7. I’m thankful that I can’t keep up with technology. It’s kept me reading real books.
8. I’m thankful I’m a slow learner. As a teacher I know how to patiently motivate my students to persist and overcome.
9. I’m thankful I’m not athletic. It’s really fun to run like a Muppet.
10. I’m thankful for my weakness. They’ve taught me to rest in Christ’s strengths.
About the Author –
Kristin Weber is a comic, writer, speaker and music teacher. She loves hiking and Chipotle. You can find out more about her by visiting www.kristinweberonline.com
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