As I said in an earlier writing, we are all learning. Daily we have the opportunity to learn in each circumstance that comes our way.
I had one of these learning experiences just a few days ago. 
You see, a couple weeks ago, I put a load of laundry in my washer, as I always do. Pressed the right buttons and pushed start. I walked away.
A few moments later I heard this loud grinding noise coming from my washer. I walked back into the laundry room to find my washing wasn’t working. Although I wanted to think, “Please Lord, not one more thing today” instead I said out loud, “I am going to pass this test…the first time.”
After several calls I found the ONE person in our county who works on appliances. I quickly called and spoke with him. He said he would be happy to fix it, but it would be a couple days – he was a bit piled up with other appointments. I let him know that was fine, I would see him in a couple days.
Two days later he called and said he was exposed to Covid-19 and had to quarantine for a couple days until his test results came back. Fine. Okay, a couple more days – no big deal. Two days later, he called again and said he tested positive. It would be two weeks.
Still determined to pass this test and hold on to peace, I trudged on. Each day I would hand wash a few items and stay in peace.
One night, a week or so later, Brailee was staying with me for a few hours. She was sitting at the counter playing with horses. I was at the sink, once again, hand washing some clothing. Without realizing it, I sighed loudly.
Brailee asked, “What’s wrong Nana? Are you tired of washing those clothes by hand?” I answered, “Yes, a little.” To which she responded, “Why don’t you do it with a happy face? Why don’t you just be happy you have a way to wash them?”
I was not passing the test as well as I thought!
My little granddaughter had to remind me to do all things without complaining, even a silent complaint. (Phil. 2:14)
And she had to remind me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
It’s easy to keep a good attitude when everything is going right.
It’s not difficult to give thanks when life is going your way – the hard times or the challenging times are when it’s difficult to continue to give thanks. Especially when these times seem to drag on and on. Just today, I learned the service man had a relapse of the virus and won’t be available for a few more weeks – “Jesus, help me pass this test! Help me be thankful every single day and in every single thing.”
Friends, I do not know what you are facing today but I do know this. God will empower you to walk through it without complaint. And He will equip you to give thanks through it all. If you keep your eyes firmly upon Him, He will keep you in perfect peace. He is so faithful. Trust Him in all circumstances and keep His word coming out of your mouth. And remember to give thanks – for it is HIS will for you and I.
Meditate on this:
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
