Observation, reflection, intention

The act of giving thanks involves at least 3 things.  The first is observation.  In the season of 2020 it's the easy one.  It has been confusing, trying and difficult.  The levels of pain have been hard to process on multiple levels.  Observation done.  Reflection.  This requires a little effort.  How many ways has God's mercy been evident in the midst of heartache, sorrow, anxiety and loss?  His mercies have prevailed, but in what way?  Intention is an outright choice.  In light of what we have experienced, observation. Within the context of our reflection, We make the intentional choice to be thankful. Jeremiah was good at this. In his book where he laments the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah was intentional.  Yet this I call to mind 
        and therefore I have hope:
22     Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed,
        for his compassions never fail.
23     They are new every morning;
        great is your faithfulness.
24     I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
        therefore I will wait for him.”

​Let us in this Thanksgiving season declare with high intention.  The Lord is my portion! Therefore I will wait for Him!  Praise God!