Gratitude Every Second

The word thanks is probably one of the shortest words, but it carries a big meaning. How many times do we forget to give thanks? How many times do we forget to look at the sky, observe our surroundings, and smile with thanks?

We are not always disposed to express gratitude. I remember one of the saddest days of my life was when my 18-year-old niece died. I would never see her again, and I did not have the opportunity to hug her and say goodbye, due to her unexpected death. Remaining grateful during this very difficult time was the last thing that crossed my mind.

Over the years, we understand that, in a split second, the circumstances in our lives can change and rob us of that desire to be grateful. For a long time, I prayed,

Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food (Psalm 102:1-4 NIV).

For several months following this painful event, I decided to be silent and simply observe how everything was happening around me, see how each second passed. I stopped being grateful because, in the midst of this difficult process, a part of me had also died.

Pain can take us captive, and we can easily forget that God is always on our side. But, when the Lord shows us His love and His presence guides us in everything we do, He touches our hearts. Through serving in an organization like CBN, I have seen Him reflected in the lives of many people who contact us, write and call. They continue to trust and remain grateful, despite the difficulties they are experiencing, and God, through this, has touched my own heart.

Seeing and rejoicing together with people who, despite everything, give their lives to Jesus and decide to follow Him no matter what produces in me the greatest gratitude that can be expressed. It makes me realize that even in our difficulty:

The Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:5)

With time, we can learn to always be grateful, even without understanding, without knowing what tomorrow will bring. And as every second passes, life teaches us to be grateful and to understand that, with God, all things will work for His good, redemptive purpose.

I would like to ask you, are you ready to be grateful for every second of your life?

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.