"To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch Heaven."
I found this quote on a bookmark. It's not easy to live with gratitude "ever in our hearts." I make a resolution to be more grateful, to be more cognizant, more aware of the Father's blessings, then, the moment something goes wrong, my resolution withers and dies.
During this past week, I have grieved over the loss of a dear friend. His passing has left a hole in the life of his family, his friends, indeed, all who knew him. I wanted to rail at God (and I did) for taking this fine man. What was there to be grateful for in this?
Then I remembered the last 18 months when he fought the devastating battle with leukemia. Miracles occurred, as his life was spared again and again. And I was grateful. Miracles continued to occur. And I was grateful. And now ... I am (trying to be) grateful that his suffering is over.
As I said, living with gratitude in my heart isn't easy. Too frequently I am short-sighted, failing to see the Father's plan, failing to look beyond the here and now.
This I know for sure: if I am to grow and mature in my love for the Savior and the Father, I must find gratitude. For everything.
Sometimes it's just plain difficult, but you're right.
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