Our world is messed up! And for that I’m feeling anything but grateful.
And you shouldn’t be either.
This week we will all see and hear everyone talking about what they are grateful for. Many will gather with family and friends for food and more. For some, as in our household, that “more” will include football. (Oh well: perhaps football does have some redeeming qualities. Feel free to enlighten me!)
For some, the holiday season is only painful. Once in a while it helps to put our gratitude against the backdrop of what is truly dark in our world.
Here’s a short list of a few things I’m NOT grateful for:
- Human trafficking
- Sexual exploitation of women and children
- Extreme poverty
- Addictions of every kind, and the people who promote them
- Legalism, psychological and spiritual abuse
- Death, dying, and disease
- Divorce, and marriages where there is more pain than joy
- War, ethnic cleansing
OK, so there are bad things in the world. Very, very bad things. Evil is alive and well. There are people, corporations, groups, and governments that are motivated and controlled by evil.
So what are we going to do about it?
Here’s my answer:
- Be grateful. No matter how difficult our life is, there’s someone whose life is harder. A pause for gratitude is always appropriate. Being thankful for simple things is the wisest attitude, and it’s good for your health!
- Pray. For God’s intervention where we see evil. For my own heart to remain grateful, and pliable. For His Kingdom to prevail.
- Do my job. Someone out there needs me. What can I do to make a difference? You know – don’t curse the darkness: light a candle! (See my post on one huge clue to finding your purpose in life.)
My list of things to be grateful for is long. I’m grateful that Jesus brought healing to my mind and soul. I’m grateful for a loving husband and strong marriage. I’m grateful God has brought me to a place in life where I can bring meaningful help to others.
And remembering the bigger picture makes that gratitude even more meaningful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Your turn: What are you grateful for? How do you keep that attitude when dealing with evil in the world? I’d love to hear from you.
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