What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
That question stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it. It wasn’t meant to guilt or shame me—it was an invitation. An invitation to notice the quiet goodness of God that so often gets drowned out by the loudness of life.
And life can get loud, can’t it?
I learned this deeply in 2010 when my brother died suddenly. It was like someone hit pause on the world, but the ache inside me played on full volume. I fell into a pit of anxiety and depression. Nothing felt steady. Joy felt distant. And I wondered if I’d ever climb out.
But in that dark place, God whispered something I’ll never forget:
“Start small. Be thankful for what you can.”
At first, it felt almost silly. I didn’t feel thankful. But I began anyway—
Thank You for breath in my lungs.
Thank You for coffee.
Thank You for the sunrise through the window.
Thank You that I got out of bed.
One small “thank You” at a time, my heart began to shift.
Gratitude Became My Medicine
It didn’t take away the grief, but it gave me strength to walk through it.
It didn’t erase the questions, but it helped me rest in the God who knew the answers.
It didn’t change what happened, but it changed me.
Every morning, I started practicing a simple habit:
I reflect on the day before and thank God for every little thing I can remember.
Not just the obvious blessings, but the quiet ones. The ones we miss if we’re not mindful. A smile. A warm meal. A verse I scrolled past. My dog curled up beside me. Peace in the moment, even if just for a minute.
And the more I gave thanks, the more I realized:
There are always more blessings than burdens.
We just have to learn to see them.
Be Grateful for Even the Unseen
Here’s the thing I’m learning now:
We can even be thankful for what we don’t see.
The prayers God is answering behind the scenes.
The protection we never knew we needed.
The grace that held us while we slept.
The blessings still on the way.
Gratitude opens our eyes to the presence of God—even in the hard.
Use This Time Well
If you’re in a heavy season right now, I encourage you to ask God,
“What do You want me to do during this time?”
He allowed it, and He doesn’t waste it.
Use this time not just to scroll or distract yourself, but to reflect, write, pray, and record your journey.
Your story will help someone else one day.
A Gentle Challenge
When you wake up tomorrow, pause before the chaos begins.
Look back on yesterday—and thank Him.
Not just for what felt good, but for what was truly good.
And if you’re feeling low, start with just one thing.
Then another. And another.
Because gratitude is holy medicine.
It won’t erase the pain,
but it will change how you carry it. 🤍
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
—Romans 8:28 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that even in the heaviness, God is working. He doesn’t waste a moment of our pain—He uses it for something good.