Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is “good,” because it is good, if “bad” because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) in 10 August 1948 letter to Don Giovanni Calabria as recounted in The Quotable Lewis ed. Wayne Martindale and Jerry Root (Carol Stream: Tyndale, 1990) 579.
As we approach Thanksgiving, Lewis reminds us why Paul would exhort us to give thanks in all circumstances. Such a perspective transforms us and ensures that we live for and long for “our eternal country.”
Jenni and I give thanks that Sammy and Sophie will be home from college for Thanksgiving. They both loves C.S. Lewis so that’s why I explored the idea of “giving thanks” in his thinking. I am so glad I did!
As a family, we will discuss what is good as well as what is bad in our world together. We will give thanks for it all, knowing that in so doing, God will transform us, filling us with humility, hope, patience, and perspective.