It’s Hot! Be Thankful.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking recently about gratitude. Scripture commands Christians to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We have a very brief, but important command to “be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
As is often said, we are not commanded to be thankful for every circumstance, but in every circumstance.
What has me thinking about this a lot lately has been the very hot weather that enveloped so much of the country, including where I live. Even though it is summertime, this was quite a little heat wave and it was profoundly uncomfortable for several days (especially those days when we had to work outside).
There were lots of jokes and internet memes, some of which were funny. But there was also a lot of complaining. And, I admit, I started out with some of those complaints, too. But, are there not some things to be thankful for, even when the sweat is flowing just from walking out your front door?
Absolutely! So, in the midst of the heat, I tried to remind myself to be thankful…
- for cool breezes
- for abundantly clean water
- for cooler buildings, including my own house
- for moments of shade
- for how the body is able to sweat and do other things to help endure
- for lemonade (especially homemade)
- for those who have to work outside and are willing to do so
- for the reminder that, because it’s hot, the cold is coming (Genesis 8:22)
- for the heat “forcing” some slower times with family to relax or enjoy a TV show
And there are more. But are these not a good starter list? So, how about, as the temperatures get up there throughout the summer, instead of complaining, you find reasons to show gratitude? You’ll still sweat a lot and may have to stay inside a little more, but it will make the heat far more bearable and will change your attitude about other things, too.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
