There is this song that I really like by gospel group Mary Mary entitled Thank You.  I love this song for many reasons.  But mostly, I like it because it reminds me that I am not exempt from tragedy, and that every good thing I’ve ever received – including the meeting of my basic needs, is because of the grace and mercy of God.  And for that, He deserves my unending gratitude.

I think that sometimes it is easy for those of us who have so much to believe the lie that we are exempt from certain things – like hunger, homelessness, criminal activity (as victim or perpetrator), drug addiction, etc.  But, the fact that any of us have escaped these fates has everything to do with God – not us.  What makes you and I so very different from the person living on the streets, or the woman selling her body for drugs?  The grace of God.  That’s the only thing.  And even for those who find themselves in the midst of such destructin, God’s grace still abounds.

If you are reading this today, chances are that you are blessed beyond the wildest imaginations of most people living on this planet.  Think about your life for a minute.  Consider all the things God has given you, brought you through, or delivered you from.  Doesn’t it make you scream with gratitude?  If not, perhaps some prodding from Mary Mary’s lyrics will help:

It could have been me

Outdoors

With no food

And no clothes

All left alone

Without a friend

Or just another number

With a tragic end

But You didn’t see fit

To let none of these things be

And every day by Your power

You keep on keeping me

I want to say Thank You Lord

For all You’ve done for me

The bottom line is that, no matter what is going on in our lives today, we have much to be thankful for.  Our God is a good God, and He deserves our love, adoration, and gratitude.