There are times in life when things do not seem to go our way or in our favor. When the nights are long, the days are gray, and the winds keep chilling our souls, it becomes difficult carrying on. When one feels abandoned, forgotten, or betrayed by all, hope begins to appear as a flame on a matchstick soon to flicker out.
The Bible tells us:
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:20
When life seems to be against us, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of gratitude. One can become so consumed by negative and unpleasant circumstances. However, ingratitude and bitterness will certainly quickly drain a person of any remaining joy and peace he or she has.
What are you to do when you do not feel thankful, and life feels like a adversary? Take notice of simplistic things you tend to take for granted. Appreciate seemingly insignificant blessings, and you will find that they are truly more significant than you had realized. The following is a list of “little” blessings. They might seem insignificant, but imagine if these were taken away. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but I hope it is helpful:
A beautiful sunrise
An “I love you” from a loved one
A loyal friend
A hot cup of coffee or tea
A child’s giggles
The “kisses” and loyalty of a dog
The ability to read
Having a job
A warm smile from a stranger
Clean water
Your senses (hearing, seeing, etc.)
Clothes to wear
A warm shower
A place to live
A running vehicle
Sighting a deer
A moving song
Fresh air
Sound mind
Salvation in Christ
We can focus on what we do not have (e.g., a bigger house, a nicer car, more money, dream job, spouse, popularity, etc.), but often it is the seemingly “little” things that truly give life significance. For example, one can be rich, but have not a single loyal friend, or else has to constantly be looking over his shoulders. One can have a big house, but never experience the warmth of a home. One could be stripped of sight, and never again see colors, animals, and nature. One could have the whole world, yet never experience the love and joy of Christ.
Showing gratitude for these seemingly “little” things will not take away the problems or hurts, I am sorry to say; however, this can shift your mind in a more positive direction, as well as give you some breaths when you feel like you are gasping. Furthermore, how can we truly appreciate the “bigger” things if we do not appreciate the beauty and wonder of “smaller” things so freely given?
