Do You Have a Difficult Gift to Unwrap?

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New International Version)   Have you ever gotten a gift that was particularly hard to be thankful for and just difficult to accept? I know I have. My blindness is sometimes difficult. At the same time though, within that difficult gift, there are many blessings tucked inside. This verse tells me that I need to be thankful "in" all things, not for them, but in them. I see my blindness as a very difficult gift at times. Sometimes, I have to pray, "Lord please give me a spirit of thankfulness." I'll be honest and tell you that sometimes, I don't feel very thankful for this gift. I'm glad this verse doesn't say to be thankful "for" all things, but it says to be thankful "in" all things. Yes, it's hard to be thankful "for" this gift at times, but I can be thankful "in" it. When I choose to be thankful in it, it produces the blessings. I choose to let this make me better, not bitter. Let me encourage you, whatever your difficult gift may be, whether physical, financial, or spiritual be thankful "in" it.   Father, teach us all what it means to be thankful in our circumstances. Give us a spirit of thankfulness. In Jesus Name, Amen.