What does that word bring to your mind? Are you thinking about the Middle Eastern Republic that’s been much in the news lately?

No, maybe not. Perhaps the slang version – you turkey – referring to a dud, a loser, an inept person.

Ok, it’s Thanksgiving week so I’ll guess most of you are imagining a juicy bird roasting in your oven. Makes me hungry just thinking of it.

But I’d like to “talk turkey” – that is to discuss something frankly and straightforwardly. This week especially we’re reminded to give thanks. I’m thinking of Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians “Be joyful always. Pray at all times. Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

It’s that little phrase, “Be thankful in all circumstances” that jumps out at me. But God, how can I do that? How can I be thankful when I’m suffering with pain? How can I be thankful when my loved one is facing death? How can I be thankful when I see our nation overwhelmed with division and hatred? How can I be thankful when I see even little school children threatened with violence?

When you look around, do you ever wonder just where God is in all of this? If he is “sovereign of all” could he not bring peace to our troubled world? Be thankful, Paul tells us. Be thankful in all circumstances. It’s not easy, is it.

But we are so blessed, so privileged. We can place all our burdens in God’s hands and then truly give thanks that He has granted us the right to do so. Evil will still rage around us. We will still face suffering and sorrow. But we will never be alone. We have an Almighty Father who loves us unconditionally. He will carry our burdens and hold our hand. And for that we can shout our thanks together with a loud Amen!

Judy