30 dAYS OF gRATITUDE: dAY 30

That's A Wrap, Folks!

The last 30 days have flown by. Time marches on, and in the words of Truvey, "one day you'll realize it's marchin' across your face!" I love that line from Steel Magnolias. Christmas is inching closer and closer. Thanksgiving has come and gone. How can we wrap up the 30 days?

When I got up this morning, it was a combination of freezing rain and regular rain. I left my house to find my car covered in ice, and I had to drive to work (about a 35-40 minute drive) in the weather. I tried to stop at my favorite coffee shop, but it was not open. The end of the month at work was stressful. I got a medical update for a loved one that was hard to hear. So what do I have to be grateful for?

In the chaos of the weather and driving, I had a beautiful scenery as the rain turned to snow and the trees glistened with ice. I stopped at another coffee spot, and they had a seasonal flavor back! Even having a rough day at work, I have colleagues who make me laugh and turn the stress into joy! Even getting rough updates of loved ones, I still have them around, and I can still be a source of support for them!

No day is guaranteed in this world. I do not know when God will choose to call me or someone I love out of this world and into his kingdom. I do not know what tomorrow brings. What I know is I can choose to look at the day and the circumstances in a way that allows me to see beauty, even in the darkness. I have the ability to find something to make the day worthwhile and not to take any opportunity, hard or easy, for granted. Time is precious.

As you navigate this holiday season, find one thing each day to be thankful for, realizing that the thing you might be grateful for could be a difficult situation. Gratitude might not always be for good things. The darkness teaches us how strong we are. The light reminds us of the blessings we have!