At that time, I was in the midst of my own pity-party. My husband had just been diagnosed with cancer and I was pretty sure my world had come
to an end. I had just read an article about this same woman and felt in my spirit that God wanted me to listen and learn, so I waited with
anticipation to hear her “secret”. Imagine my surprise when her answer to Sid’s question was simply, “The secret to being joyful is to be
grateful”. What! That’s it? It seemed too simple.

She began to list all the things for which she was grateful: to be alive and everything she had regained. She focused on what she had, not what
she had lost. She showed it’s much better to count your blessings instead of your troubles. I began to look into God’s Word on the subject of joy,
gratitude, and thanksgiving and saw my own situation in a new light.

“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20. Paul instructs us to give thanks
in everything at all times – pretty amazing for a man who was so intimately acquainted with hardship and trouble.

Thanksgiving is an “attitude of gratitude” that allows us, even in tough times, to be like Paul and Silas who could still sing and pray at midnight
after taking a severe beating (Acts 16:22-25). Paul writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because
you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2-3).

Even during tribulation, we are to be joyful. So this Thanksgiving season, cultivate your own “attitude of gratitude” and give thanks for the
simple joys of life – for everything. And if you find yourself having a pity-party, stop and ask “what should I be learning from this” and allow
yourself to sing Gods praises even at the midnight hour.

• Anyone can call Love INC for help.
• Trained volunteer caseworkers assess and verify each request to determine the nature and extent of the need
• The request is referred to the most appropriate Love INC network
• The outcome is reviewed to determine if the need was met and if other core issues require attention