JUGHEADS
Youth Juggling Company, LLC
5905 Concord Avenue
Edina, MN 55424
jugheads@comcast.net
or 952.926.0896

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November 2005

"Give Thanks in All Circumstances"

This phrase is taken directly out of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in the Bible's New Testament. Although the context of the quote is clearly directed at Christians, this is an admonition that every person of any creed would be wise to heed. At the very least, it develops a heart attitude of thanks-giving apart from mere good feelings, favorable circumstances, and "Turkey Day." At the very best, giving thanks in all circumstances begins to teach a person that, by some mystery, every circumstance in one's life could indeed work together for their good. The toughest times to obey such a command include coping with news of infertility, a nephew's death, and questions about career direction, all of which have happened to me personally over the past seven years. More specific to JH, it's difficult to give thanks when our Juggle Jam venue was removed from under us.

Ironically, I probably struggle the most in being thankful for mundane challenges such as occasional insomnia, a misunderstanding with an acquaintance, or unmet expectations in a workout. This month, chew on the idea of being thankful even when a circumstance, on its surface, robs us of happiness rather than seeming to add to it. Happiness is temporal; joy is lasting. Perhaps unconditional thanks-giving is a key to unlocking joy as well as unlocking the chains which would allow contentment only in times of plenty and getting our own way. Like a marriage, parenting or working with youth has its ups and downs, good times and bad. But there is joy in endurance.