By Danny Minton

There’s a saying that’s been around for as long as I can remember. When repeated, it makes everyone stop, think, and relook at the situation in which they find themselves. The most significant debate has come over who first made the statement. Most attribute it to Helen Keller or William Shakespeare. However, it’s said to have been an Irish proverb from centuries before. Peru, China, and several other sources also claim its origin. No matter who first said it, the thought is one that we should all stop and mull over in our minds during this time of year. So, spend a few seconds thinking about the following sentence before reading further.

“I was sad because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.”

We live in a world full of negativity. People everywhere spend too much time complaining about the things they do not have. They live unsatisfied lives because they don’t have a particular item, living lives filled with envy of those who have the things they want. So much time is spent in disappointment because of life not going the way they want or not obtaining something, causing them to become blind to the blessings and life they have been given.

Our happiness in life depends heavily on how we look at things that come our way. I’ve previously mentioned the movie Pollyanna and a game that the little girl came up with called “The Glad Game.” Pollyanna said that her dad invented it when she was sent a pair of crutches instead of getting a gift she wanted. Her dad said instead of being sad about the gift, they should be glad they didn’t have to use them. The story she told was in response to everyone hating to go to Sunday service because of the negative sermons. She told those around her that’s where “The Glad Game” comes in. They could all be glad it would be seven days before Sunday came again. 

I’ve learned this recently while watching the Dallas Cowboys games. It’s difficult seeing my favorite team struggling so badly. However, I’m encouraged because the best player on the team this year went to my high school. He’s Brandon Aubrey, the kicker. Also, believe it or not, Dallas isn’t the worst team in the league. 

The point is that we should spend more time being thankful for the blessings in our lives and less time lamenting that we don’t have things exactly like we want. This Thanksgiving season, spend time being grateful for what you have and look for the good in your life. Remember that there are people in this world who would love to have what you possess, not only physically but the very world in which you live. 

Returning to the little saying someone spoke years ago, “I was sad because I had no shoes.” It is the story of someone unhappy who had to walk barefoot everywhere. They had to endure the pain of stepping on a rock and living with dirty feet. But when he saw a man who had no feet, a man whose life was limited because he couldn’t walk, the importance of shoes faded to a minor inconvenience instead of a necessity. 

Be happy about how you have been blessed. Look for the good in life, people, and every circumstance. The writer of Proverbs 11 commented, “Whoever seeks good finds favor.” Here is the challenge for this Thanksgiving Day. Look for the good in everything and think about the positive. Find something to be thankful for in every circumstance. Be grateful for the blessings in your life, and don’t let what you don’t have dampen the good in the life you now live. After all, that’s how God wants you to live.

^‘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 (NIV2011) 

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ