In this fall season I look around and see naked fields…combines have harvested corn…beans..  Fields just waiting for new crops to be sown. But right now it looks like they are “resting”.

This year has not been a good year for crops…at least here. No rain…tons of rain… hot temperatures…corn burned to a crisp. Beans didn’t produce. Discouraging for sure.

But in all of the adversity farmers and gardeners have faced in this growing season, we can see the goodness of God. 

Our homes are still standing.

The road system is not washed away.

We have food on our tables.

Our livestock has not perished.

While crops weren’t great, there was still a harvest.

We have our health.

God has supported us and sustained us.

In all the tough times, our Father has been present. He has never forsaken us. Maybe even shown us we don’t “need” everything we think we do. That He provides everything we need each day.

Giving thanks daily is a gift. Recognizing that our Abba cares for us. That His care is tender and kind. He is not unfeeling or unconcerned. He knows the depth of our heartbreak. He knows the loss we have sustained. He knows we have bills to pay and responsibilities to fulfill. In all these circumstances, talk to Him. Give Him the opportunity to show just how mighty He is…the opportunity to comfort you with the knowledge of just how much He LOVES you.

In this Giving Thanks season, do just that. Praise our Father for who He is…how deeply He loves us. Giving thanks is healing. And even if it seems there is nothing to give thanks for, look around…you will be surprised at what you might see…just how blessed you are.

So once again…count the ways He loves you.