Do we give thanks?

 A few days ago I received a letter from Compassion, the charity that helps children and families.
 
The letter was an appeal for financial gifts to help children and families in Haiti whose lives have been devastated, firstly by a huge earthquake and then hurricane storms. Many children and care-givers sponsored by Compassion lost their lives and many, many more lost their homes and all they had. In all, more than 2,200 people lost their lives with more than 50,000 homes completely destroyed. If you are like me, it is hard to comprehend that sort of devastation and loss - imagine losing everything you ever had!
 
Paul, in his letters to the churches, often written from a brutal Roman prison, wrote, “I know what it is to be in need …. whether living in plenty or want … yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” Phil 4:12-14.  In the tough times Paul was grateful for the aid he received.
 
What really struck me about the appeal letter was the life we have here is so very, very privileged and many things we take for granted. We have our NHS, we have a moderate climate, we have a welfare state, we have roofs over our heads and full tummies!
 
A little girl in Haiti, and her grandmother who cares for her, both escaped from the earthquake which took away their belongings and their home. Left with nothing, the girl prayed for a box of cornflakes, her favourite cereal. Later, through Compassion, an emergency box of food was delivered to the little girl and her granny and inside was a box of cornflakes! The little girl then turned to her gran and said, “I told you God would answer my prayer.”
 
How is your trust in God? This letter made me really think how God has provided for me and, yes, I did send a financial gift and it goes with my prayers