I read about a corporate executive who starts his workday with 15 minutes of meditation about what he’s grateful for. Being thankful starts his day off on the right foot.

Sounds much like what the Apostle Paul prescribes for Ephesian believers–‘…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…’ (Eph. 5:20). That’s better than that corporate titan’s habit. Thanking God in Jesus’ name. But not only for a few minutes early in the day but ‘always’. And for ‘everything.’ How are you doing with that?

And me? I’d rather focus on you. It makes me feel better. But I know that pointing a finger at someone else leaves three appendages aiming right back in my face with the thumb raised upwards reminding me that God knows what I’m up to.

The catch comes with that little word ‘always’. Throw in ‘everything’ for good measure. It’s easy to thank the Lord for blessings, such as a tax refund or a better medical report than feared or imagined. Easy-peasy. A quick word of thanks ascends heavenward from my lips to God’s ears.

But…well, you know. When the nasty hits. That unexpected conking out of our fairly new refrigerator. The rejection notice for something I’d written that was such a gem; but, as it turns out, only in my mind. Want to add some of your own?

Give thanks for everything? I’m not sure how that works out in real-life situations. Not everything that happens is such a great deal. Premature death? An adult child who wants nothing more to do with you or the Lord? Divorce? Wars and rumors of wars? Devastating hurricanes? Politics gone haywire? Even in all of them? That’s what the Apostle says. And he should know.

Here’s a warning. If tragedy hits someone else, be cautious with what you say. Instead of throwing pious platitudes in their faces, shut up. That’s right, keep quiet. Listen. Sit close by. Bring over a meal. Share a cup of coffee. And while you’re at it, shut your face! Hard to do, when I have all the answers…for someone else. But don’t you dare pull that Christian know-it-all act on me.

Anything else? What should I do? Simply put, get into your ‘room’ (check out Matthew 6: 6) and thank the Lord for whatever. Develop a habit of thanksgiving as hard as that can be. Not just one day a year; but, as the Apostle Paul says, ‘always’ and for ‘everything’. Usually, be very private with this. But never stop telling Jesus how grateful you are for all He gives you, even through tough and rough times. Especially then. That’s when you’ll see how you’re doing. Me too.

Thank you, Jesus, for all the love you show me every moment of every day. Amen.