In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB

Sammy could not understand why God would give him something and then take it away. But he would later learn a lesson in thanksgiving.

When I lived in Hawaii, there was a little blond-haired boy named Sammy from the Big Island whose family taught me the value of giving thanks to God in all things.

Sammy lived with his single mother and siblings, all of whom faced financial challenges. Despite his circumstances, Sammy dreamed of owning a Hobie skateboard, considered the best and most expensive of its time. One Sunday, a church family gave Sammy an old skateboard, which brought him great joy, even though it wasn’t the Hobie he wanted.

Shortly after, Sammy lost the skateboard when it rolled into a storm sewer. Distressed, he questioned why God would give him something and then take it away. His mother comforted him and emphasized the importance of gratitude in all situations, quoting the above verse. She told him how God is good even when bad things happen to us. Sammy tried to listen to his mom as well as his little heart would allow. Finally, she led him in a prayer thanking the Lord that He can take the bad and make good out of it.

She contacted the city’s utilities department, and a worker retrieved Sammy’s skateboard. But they noticed he went back down the ladder a second time. After a few moments, he returned, grasping a virtually brand-new skateboard in his hands. And yes, it was a Hobie. The utility worker said, “Until someone else claims it, I guess it’s yours.” No one else ever did.

This experience taught Sammy, his family, and me that even in difficult times, gratitude and faith in God can lead to unexpected blessings. Many dark clouds have silver linings. God is at work doing one-upmanship, always one step ahead of us, revealing His goodness.

Think about some lessons in thanksgiving God has taught you. 

Thank you, Lord, for giving me more than I deserve. Teach me lessons in thanksgiving. In Jesus’s name, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: A Lesson in Thanksgiving: Ken Barnes: All Rights Reserved.