There is a way to pull ourselves out of the pit of despair and grief. A way that takes courage and a strong will. The guidance that looks beyond our situation and sees from a higher realm. A path that turns our eyes from the ashes of loss to the beauty of life. Hear me. I know.

A Heart of Thanksgiving

In the pit of grief and sorrow, I turned my heart toward thanksgiving. Not for the depth, the desperation or the place I found myself – my situation did not change overnight – but for the faithfulness of God in walking with me through the process of healing. Gradually I turned my eyes toward God and asked Him to show me the beauty of life rather than the pit of destruction. He showed me the abundance I had in the morning sunrise, friends and family, shelter and provision. Those were the things I could see and touch.

Then He showed me the spiritual blessings. As I struggled to pull my head from the pit, He reminded me of His attributes and characteristics that are invisible and untouchable, yet so very present and trustworthy. I began to alphabetically list His attributes.

A-He is Always present

B-He is my Beloved

C-He is the Christ

D-He is my Deliverer

E-He is Eternal

As I listed from A to Z, I intentionally thanked Him for who He is. Through the practice of daily thanksgiving, my spirit began transitioning to thinking more of HIM and less of me. I began seeing small glimpses of the ashes of despair being transformed into the beauty of praise, gratitude, and thanksgiving.

“Continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

A grateful heart does a great job of changing attitudes, perspectives, moods, and habits and even the direction of life! Believe me, I know!

Blessings,

Mary