Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’ s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

Our family has a Thanksgiving tradition where we go around the table and share what we are thankful for as we remember how God had blessed us that year.

It starts out with simple things: marriage, a new baby in the family or a promotion at work. And then there’s that one teenage cousin who always says something about pizza.

Just as the comments quiet down, a family member — never the same person from year to year — turns the entire room to silence with a story of God’s faithfulness to them through heartache. The Kleenex box is retrieved from the hall bathroom, and it’s passed down the line to soak up all the tear-drenched faces.

There are tears of joy and even tears…