In All Things, Give Thanks
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
For many of us, November is a time when we are mindful of being thankful. We count our blessings, express our gratitude for and to those we love, and in general set our minds on giving thanks.
While being thankful for our blessings is a wonderful practice, I’ve recently been asking myself to consider how I can also be thankful for my CHALLENGES. Challenges can bring discouragement, but what if I look at them as opportunities instead of roadblocks?
As a homeschooling parent, you probably realize there are some subjects that come more easily to you than others. If math is not your favorite, you now have an opportunity to explore and find new options to learn math for both yourself and your child!
If your child has a learning difference that makes a subject challenging, you have the opportunity to find tools and resources to help him or her be successful.
Students with learning differences often have gifts and talents typical learners do not. They may see the world through a lens that allows them to imagine and create in amazing ways. What an opportunity for the student to lean into that difference to find a strength!
Are you or your child having a hard time getting along with someone? Perhaps this is an opportunity for self-reflection, grace, and empathy. Personal growth is often uncomfortable, but becoming the people God created us to be is worth it!
When we face challenges, it’s easy to get discouraged and notice what we don’t have, can’t do, struggle to understand, etc. Instead, what if we focus on finding the opportunities in the challenge? What if we notice what we do have, what we can do, and how God can work all things for good?
During this season of thankfulness, I invite you to join me in discovering how our challenges can become opportunities - for growth, for discovery, for perseverance.
In every thing, give thanks. That’s my goal this November. Will you join me in celebrating how God can make challenges opportunities for gratefulness? I hope so!
Julie Crum, M.Ed. - Executive Director
