Grateful?

At times, it is easier for me to feel gratitude than at other times. For instance, when I finally get the recognition I’ve been pining for from my employer, or when the fickle spring weather gives way to hot summer days or when a rift between my husband and me is resolved, Then it is easy to be grateful.

But when unwanted circumstances pop up such as a flat tire on my bike, or when unexpected situations arise; “He fell off a roof?” Or when a painful and unsolvable predicament prevails between me and another person, then my sense of gratitude is nowhere to be found. Instead, my insides are left wanting and I desperately want to find a silver lining in the midst of the gloom and doom. I don’t necessarily want to feel ungrateful, but I certainly don’t feel grateful. 

Circumstances in life are mostly out of our control and events take place without our consent. Yet, we’d like to have more control. We’d like to avoid those difficult, uncomfortable and hard circumstances. It would be great if we had a magic wand and could command them to just disappear. But, of course we can’t and they do not disappear. 

Is it important to be grateful, thankful, and appreciative when things do not go the way we hope or expect them to go? I think so and here’s why.

Being grateful and thankful produces contentment and contentment produces personal peace. None of this is found even in the best of circumstances, but we still look and long for it. 

The longer I walk by faith, the more I’m learning that no matter the situation, predicament, or events that take place on any given day, my gratitude comes from the knowledge that there is One who never leaves or forsakes me.  

To believe that God, the One who made this universe never leaves me without support, never leaves me helpless, nor ever walks away is huge for me! It is a huge relief for me because I’ve been left without support, I’ve been helpless and I’ve had significant people walk away from me. I know what it is like to be greatly disappointed with life, with people and with circumstances. I know what it is like to not be grateful. 

Why Bother? 

Why bother being grateful? To not be grateful is life depleting. Being grateful is life giving.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who, like me, know they need to change, but are not quite sure where to start. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.