A few weeks ago, after seeing me struggle with something for quite a prolonged period of time, I was told to begin listing things that I am grateful for each day by someone to whom I cannot tell no: my mother. Almost a year ago, I started a gratitude journal in which I listed something that I was grateful for every day for two consecutive months. However, my lack of ability to complete most goals that I set for myself kicked in and I suddenly stopped recording things. When my mother suggested I begin this again, I was hesitant because my attitude wasn't what it should be and my stubbornness told myself that it wouldn't help my given situation. I didn't pick up where I had left off with listing at least one thing every day but I did begin to mentally note things to be grateful for. Within a short amount of time, my outlook on life and the current events taking place began to become more optimistic. The season helped too as I was continuously reminded to be grateful with Thanksgiving just around the corner.
Through gratitude, the Lord will grace us with His peace and provide us with insight as to why we are faced with the trials in our lives. I am thankful for the many words unknowingly spoken for my benefit, for the many people who unknowingly contribute to my happiness and for the always apparent hand the Lord has in my life that pushes me to become stronger each and every day as He "gently shows me my weakness and then teaches me how to change, just like a Father would."