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Inspirational Christian Devotions free for personal use for Church & Synagogue related functions.

Being Thankful for the Things That Didn't Happen

Every Thanksgiving, I remember my minister-father standing behind the pulpit and reminding the congregation to take time out to thank God for the things that didn't happen. That incident has always stuck with me.

Most of us have no difficulty in reminding God of our trials, troubles and tribulations, but often err in not taking time out to thank Him daily for our very existence. We often take too much for granted.

Our legs, eyes, arms, fingers, toes, brain, friends, family, kids, pets, trees, rivers, streams, the blue sky, the green grass and those beautiful puffy clouds. The sunrise, the sunset, the moon, the stars, the planets - and yes, the heavens above.

There is so much to be thankful for outside our personal woes. By shifting our focus to what we do have rather than to what we don't have is a wonderful way to make us appreciate life.

No matter how bleak things seem, they can always be much worse. Most of us have experienced tragedy of one type or another amid our lives. It's tough - and it makes us stronger. Whether it's from the loss of a child, a parent, or a dear friend, life goes on as God intended it to be.

So amid the bustle of the busy holiday season, take time out to reflect on the year.

Thank God for all that you have, including those things that He didn't allow to happen.

Many times we get so wrapped up in our worries that we don't realize just how much God did do for us over the year.

Although we may not have received that all important raise, for some reason on that rainy Spring morning, the semi behind us managed to swerve around us and avoid crashing into our tiny car at the last minute. Thank God for the things that didn't happen....

The Hand of God is Almighty indeed!

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