Today the wet, cold rain is coming down. I have to sweep the floor, and I wish I could curl up with a book and read. My sister has a cough, my back has a pain. Life is full of troubles, isn’t it? But I’m

Thankful Today

I’m thankful because I have a roof over my head. Some people don’t, you know.And electric lights to make the rooms bright on dark days. And I’m so glad I’m not sick! It is funny how one little pain likes to get all our attention. Most children like to tell me all about their owies and how sick they are. Have you ever tried counting how much of your body is feeling just fine? Let’s see—my toes wiggle, feet are strong, legs work well, my stomach doesn’t ache… neither does my neck or head, nor my eyes and ears. My, I am actually quite strong and healthy, even if my back hurts a little! And, really, I can be glad about the sweeping, because I do like to see the floor all clean. Chores aren’t hard if you get right to them and work with a smile!

Sometimes it is easy to be like Complaining Carl (in the cover story), and look at the dark side of life. But it doesn’t make us happy. Which boy would you rather be—Carl or Gary? I’m sure I can guess your answer. It’s easy to tell that when you look at his smile! So what is the secret to his happiness?

Thankfulness isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice you make each day. If I asked you, “Is God good to you?” I know you would say, “Yes!” But do you act like God is good to you each day? Do you welcome each morning with a glad smile—even if you have work to do, or you can’t play outside because of the cold and rain? I think it is a good habit to change each complaining thought into a praise. Instead of saying, “rain again,” try counting the ways the rain is a blessing to you. How would the trees and flowers grow without it? What about the food you eat?

The Bible tells us that “there shall be showers of blessing.”* (Ezekiel 34:26) There are thousands of water drops in a rain shower, aren’t there? More than I can count. And that’s how many good things the Lord is doing for us all the time. Just stop a moment to count a few! Yes, God is good. When we are thankful and think about His good care of us, we won’t be afraid to trust Him in days of trouble. We will know that He is able to work all things together for our good, even when it doesn’t seem like it!

Today the sunshine has peaked out through the rain clouds. I really don’t have much work to do, and I’m glad I have strength to do it. I have a loving family and a warm home. God has been so good to me! I’m thankful today. Are you?

“Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.”* (Jeremiah 33:11)

I’m thankful that Jesus answered my prayers and gave me a Dad.

—AutumnGrace, age 6

I’m thankful for the sunshine and the rain.

—Katie, age 9

I’m thankful for my sissy and I love her.

—Cindy, age 4

I’m thankful for my doll.

—Chloe, age 3