A 4-year-old boy was asked to return thanks before Thanksgiving dinner. The family all bowed their head in expectation as the young boy began his prayer. He thanked God for all his friends, by name, then he thanked God for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma and Grandpa, and all his Aunts and Uncles. Then he finally got around thanking God for the food starting with the turkey and then the dressing, the fruit salad, the pies, cakes, and even the cool whip. Then he paused, and everyone waited and waited. After a long silence the young boy looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't He know that I'm lying?"

That's a cute story and it makes us wonder about the statement/ verse, "In all things give thanks." The youngster didn't want to give thanks for the broccoli, but he didn't want to lie either. It's easy to give thanks during the good times and when good things are happening, but what about the bad times. Well, if you notice, it doesn't say we must give thanks "for" all things, but "in" all things. It's easy to say thanks when things are going your way, you're being blessed, and your life is running smooth. However, when the tide changes, when things happen that upset your normal routine, or worse, when bad things happen to good people, how do you find a way to give thanks?

It's important to give thanks during the hard times of life as well as the good times because hard times strengthen us. They help to make us stronger, to pull together with family, loved ones, and friends. Then later on when something bad happens we will be prepared for it, we will be able to endure. We need to take the time to give thanks, for the air we breathe, for a roof over our heads, for food to eat, and so many other things we take for granted. We need to give thanks for our children, our spouses, our close friends who stand by us in thick and thin. All these are gifts from above and some of them are long-lasting gifts while others are just on loan to us for a short time. We need to be thankful for that time, long or short. Some people complain about the roses having thorns, while others give thanks that the thorns have roses.