It's easy to forget to be thankful. When you're busy, fatigued, or simply low, thankfulness is likely the first to go. And I get it. Sometimes life can seem to be laced with negativity as if the color has drained from it. However, even though those feelings may be justified, it does not mean that you have to succumb to the torment of them.

Dear reader, I am currently reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, and it is fantastic. Seriously, so good! Corrie was and is an inspiration. She had unwavering faith, hope, and thankfulness in the face of sheer terror and turmoil. My favorite part thus far has been when Holland was being bombed for the first time. I know, what an odd part to love, but just stay with me. Corrie had met her sister Betsie at the window to watch the air raid, and while watching the destruction, she had a dream—a fully awake dream. In the vision, Corrie and her family were locked in a barred wagon, which was being pulled across the square by a team of four unruly, sable horses. Corrie cried out at the close of her dream and clutched her sister Betsie. The dream was not lurid; it was clear. In Corrie's mind, only time stood between them and the fruition of this premonition. Corrie was, of course, very distressed by the vision, but Betsie had the presence of mind to speak God's truth to Corrie. Betsie said that no matter what the future held, God held the future, and whether the vision was prophetic or not, God knew the truth. He knew the future, and He would guide them through it. And that was enough for Betsie, which in turn became enough for Corrie. They were thankful to God because they knew they would not be forsaken; they would never walk alone.

Dear reader, I don't know about you, but I am amazed by the ten Booms. They are proof that there is always a reason to be thankful to God. No matter what. You can always find a reason to be thankful. However, I know it will take more looking sometimes than others, but I believe singing in the rain is far better than adding to the deluge with your own tears.

So with that being said, dear reader, I pray that you find a reason for thanks when the next rain shower or storm comes, but I also pray that you find a reason to be thankful today. As for me, I am thankful that summer is almost here and that the weather is warm. I am thankful for my friends; they are each a unique blessing to me, and they all gift me with different types of encouragement and support. I am thankful for my close-knit family. But most of all, I am thankful to God. For His love. For His protection. For His presence. For His encouragement. For His guidance. Everything. I am thankful for Jesus.