“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Psalms 50:14‭-‬15 NIV

Lately, my heart has been heavy, and the Holy Spirit has shown me through His word to rejoice in the Lord always. I tried, but I couldn’t shake it off, no matter how much I tried. But finally, as I listened to a podcast, Shaun Donaghy’s Mindfulness for Beginners, on gratitude, I was reminded that I lost myself in yesterday’s sorrows and tomorrow’s troubles, as Jesus had warned us not to do. I remembered my granddaughter’s simple yet powerful prayer when she was three. She thanked the Lord for the air we breathe, the trees, the water, the sun, and the birds that sing. She thanked the Lord for the day we shared, and she thanked the Lord for me, her Nana. The load lightened, and I imagined myself being lifted out of the pit of despair by the Hand of God through the innocent prayer of a three-year-old child.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the children’s prayers; they are our most excellent teachers. Help me to have the same attitude of gratitude and love for You and Your creation; open my eyes to see Your gifts in everything and not take anything for granted. Even my very breath is a gift from You.