Many things have happened in my life that would not necessarily warrant the word Gratitude.  I have spent many days working, healing, praying and changing from the woman I once was to the woman I now am, yet not yet the woman I hope to be.  As with anyone I have seen my fair share of trials, puzzles and literal nightmares.

I have also seen joy, relief, happiness, freedom, love, miracles and success.

As Thanksgiving slowly moves into the background and Christmas pounces forward I do not want to forget what it is I have to be thankful for, I want to continue with a heart of Gratitude.

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I am married to an amazing man who loves me!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because my husband is my best friend!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I am a mother to the most precious little girl in the world!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I am allowed to homeschool my daughter and see how she flourishes because of it, not in spite of it!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I have never had to sleep on the streets or eat from garbage cans!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I have never had to lay in bed suffering from a cancer that cannot be cured!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I have never had to suffer a loss so deep that I couldn’t not recover from!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I have friends and a church who truly cares!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because I live in a country where I am free to worship the God of my choice without the penalty of death!

I will have a heart of Gratitude because the Son of God came down to earth and died for my sins giving me a way to still dwell with the Father for all of eternity!

Without Gratitude…  there would be no life…  all would be lost…  It is because of Gratitude I am free no matter what trials, puzzles or nightmares come my way.

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe…”  Hebrews 12:28