Writing on Thursday

I write a column for the Children's Miracle Network of Greater Kansas City newsletter. This is what appears in the October issue.
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“In everything give thanks.”
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I’ve a blue and rustic wooden sign emblazoned with those words. In everything, it says.
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We give thanks for the good of life, don’t we? The things that bring us joy. For what we want and have attained, for things that make us look and feel great. For doing well. For that which makes us laugh, what makes our hearts love, our spirits grow.
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But give thanks for adversity? For disappointment? For sickness, loss, fear, heartache?
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Well, yes. We should. Because it’s the adversity that makes us stronger. Disappointment pushes us forward. Loss leads to cherished memories. Heartache redirects to healing, and loving again.
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It’s all of what makes us who we are.
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We should be thankful for everything.
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I stand by these words, even with the gamut of emotion and change in my life the last couple years.
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I am thankful.
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Are you?