Episode
Giving Thanks (encore)
- Podcast
- Grace for All
- Published
- Sep 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 326
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://graceforall.captivate.fm/episode/giving-thanks-encore
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Summary
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CEB) Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. During our church's Vacation Bible School, I had the pleasure of being in the kitchen. As the children came through the line, I watched as parents worked with their children on having good manners. Some, when asking for their selection, had to be reminded to say “please.” At times, the parent holds the plate as they say several times, “Now what do you say?” until the child finally says, “please.” Other times, the “please” is almost automatic, and often I heard a “good job” from the parent. The cutest exchange I saw was when the child did not want either selection we offered. The parent said, “You have to choose one.” After much resistance, the choice was made. The parent said, “Now what do you say?” The child replied, “Why do I have to say thank you for something I don’t want?” Mom politely said, “Because you are lucky enough to have something to eat, you are lucky that there are people here to cook this food, and besides, it is the right thing to do.” With a sullen, stormy look, the server got a “thank you,” to which she replied, with just a trace of a smile, “You're welcome.” This entire exchange made me think of the words from Thessalonians where we are encouraged to give thanks in all situations. I picture myself being at times like that pouting child saying or thinking, “Why do I have to give thanks for this?” We can easily list the things in life that do not spark any feelings of gratitude. Among them are illness, loss, anxiety, and fear. No, we may not give thanks for the specific negative things that are impacting our lives, but like the child in that situation, God wants us to pull back from the immediate moment and…