Gratitude

There were plenty of days this last year when gratitude required an act of Congress. Yes, I know I should be grateful for a whole lot of reasons, but just didn’t feel like it. This year has been the true litmus test for many of us in the area of gratitude as one thing after another keeps challenging us. There are days when life is just exhausting and you find yourself crawling into bed at night, thankful to turn the world off for a few hours. But however challenging the year might be deep down gratitude is not always a natural feeling that just erupts on command. Gratitude often requires work and effort, especially in the rough times. It requires your focus.

Gratitude is sometimes hard…

So why exactly am I grateful? Rather than just spouting off memes of gratitude and joy is taking the time to think of why I feel or should feel those things. In other words, gratitude is an exercise. It is not something to be blasé about. There is no better cure for blasé then to go and talk to someone who has been through truly horrific things and still has a good attitude about life. And if you don’t know someone who fits this bill then pick up a book because there are a whole lot of people who truly know the meaning of gratitude.

When I look back at 2020 the one thing that I am profoundly grateful for is the faith that kept me going. Faith that somewhere and somehow God is going to work this all out. And He will that in spite of us. My gratitude is deep for that faith because that faith is what gives me hope. Where I would be without it right now, I cannot imagine. Yet, faith is the anchor that keeps me going during this rough year as well as many other tough patches. It is why I get up and keep at it every day. Faith is why I am saying prayers continuously through the day. When I think of that hope it makes my heart full of gratitude. Getting through 2020 without faith? The thought makes me shudder.

So, this day my heart is so thankful for God and His presence in spite of it all. Furthermore, I am thankful for His presence in 2021 and whatever that year may bring. May you have a richly blessed Thanksgiving no matter how small and may your heart be full of God’s peace. Below is one of my favorite verses:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26