In Everything Give Thanks

Give thanks? Seriously? I hung up the phone and saw the small plaque peering back at me. The words “In Everything Give Thanks” were the harsh reminder I needed. In fact, it was one of the reasons I had purchased the plaque a year earlier. First, I wanted it to be a gentle prompt as I moved through my daily activities. Second, I wanted it to cause me to search my heart to “give thanks” at all times, in all circumstances—not just when things were going well but especially when the walls of life were crashing in.

Why are we commanded to do this? Well, if for no other reason, because “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18).  And because giving thanks propels us to remember “Your name is near” (Psalm 75:1).  

The plaque was strategically placed right in front of my computer monitor. A perfect little notch in the stand seemed to await its arrival. The words could not be overlooked. I read them again and again throughout the day.

An Unusual Response

Certainly, there was no doubt I needed it on this day after listening to my friend blast me for inconveniencing her with a gift she viewed as nothing more than an annoyance. How could she say such a thing? She had mentioned the gift idea a few weeks earlier when I asked, so I was trying to accommodate the request. However, I met the request with only limited success. I found something I thought could be modified to work but wanted her approval in case the item needed to be returned. I rang the doorbell for a quick drop-off and lookover. After an elongated wait, Patty finally answered the door. I had obviously awakened her. She made it very clear she was in no mood for a visit, much less an evaluation of my purchase. She snapped at me. Her stinging words felt like darts jabbing in my back as I hurried to my car, gift in tow. As I drove to work, I cried. My entire day was filled with continuous thoughts of the unpleasant encounter, making it hard to focus on anything else.

My office phone rang the next day, and Patty’s number popped up. I felt a slight sense of relief, expecting an apology. But no. Instead, Patty doled out further insult—to the point of questioning our friendship! Speechless, I hung up the phone, wondering where this bizarre response was coming from. With all the weather changes, perhaps Patty had been struggling more than usual with her chronic pain. That had to be it.

Then my eyes fixed upon the plaque. How could I give thanks for behavior that mocked the joy I had in discovering what I thought would be a treasure for my friend? How could I have possibly known Patty had just fallen asleep after a long, pain-ridden night? Further, how could she have the audacity to question our friendship?

Yet, that’s what the plaque said to do—give thanks in everything. Everything? Everything. I took a deep breath and silently prayed. I thanked God for Patty and our lengthy friendship and for this encounter that caught me completely off guard. Maybe there was a hidden message. Maybe an opportunity lurked.

The phrase “give thanks” occurs 73 times in the Bible. Most of the time, it is accompanied with praise and worship. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with celebration. And then there are times it is an expression of steadfast hope, followed by a remembrance of God’s blessings and eternal love. I found myself clinging to the latter. After about a week of silence, the phone rang again. This time, it was Patty with an apology.

Not Just for Me

A few weeks later, I ran into a different scenario. I realized the plaque was not only for my eyes, but also for anyone who sat at my desk or used my computer. There it sits boldly, making its voiceless statement. In Everything Give Thanks—no scripture reference, just four powerful words.

The IT representative upgrading my computer software casually mentioned having a rough day. I pointed to my plaque. “I needed that,” he said.

My colleague sat across my desk, telling me about a personal challenge she was facing. I turned around, grabbed my plaque and placed it in front of her. She confessed she had not considered the option to thank God for her challenge, but she would.

What about you? Consider using this season of giving to offer thanks for all that comes into your path—good or bad. It will change you.