Thankful During Thankless Times

Thanksgiving is a time when we are to give thanks. Some year giving thanks is hard because of the thankless year we are living because of challenges and struggles. 
The apostle Paul had a number of those years.
2 Corinthians 11:23b-38 ....I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

In spite of Paul's hardships, he knows it is God's will to be thankful.
Paul writes: 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul is not delusional. He knows that Christ has overcome the world. He knows that giving thanks keeps bitterness away. 

Our church began a five for five days challenge. Write down five things you are thankful each day over the next five days. Your heart will grow softer as your list grows larger.