A PAUSE FOR GRATITUDE - VOL. 6
This year, for Thanksgiving, in addition to writing down all of the things I’m thankful for, I’m going back and evaluating the hard and challenging things as well. Because I believe they’ve been important to the growth and success we’ve experienced this year.
It’s easy to look back on this last year and think about the good things that happened like finally getting rid of our Kia, vacationing in Florida over the summer, growing our business, experiencing less sickness, etc. and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the amazing provision and blessing we’ve experienced as a family.
What’s not quite as easy is looking back at some of the setbacks or hard moments we try to forget and then spend time evaluating their impact.
The hard things make us better and stronger. They open up the door for new things. Every no is an opportunity for a different angle or an alternate route to the destination - or in some cases a completely different and better destination than we ever imagined.
When I say painful or hard moments, I’m not necessarily thinking about tragedy or abuse. Because there’s a real sense in which those things need to be labeled for what they are and grieved and processed in a healthy way. What I mean here are the setbacks, the recurring frustrations, the unforeseen complications.
The Sour Things Make You Better and Stronger
This is true to the extent that you allow it to be true. It takes some mental courage and willingness to process the hard things. Hard things build strength where you didn’t know you needed it. Sometimes that muscle doesn’t show up until several months later and you’re prepared and strong enough for something is really hard.
The Sour Things Can Be Bonding
When you walk through the sour moments with a close friend or a spouse there with you - and there’s common ground for the same goals - it can be a deeply bonding and memorable experience. The moments of expressing your feelings, troubleshooting, and encouraging one another strengthens your relationship in ways the sweet moments are unable to.
The Sour Things Make New Things Possible
So much of life is making the best out of what you have in front of you. But some of the best things are possible when your back is against the wall and your options are limited. You’re forced to be creative in ways that you otherwise wouldn’t be.
Sometimes, we need some help generating gratitude in our hearts. I’ve put together a free simple reflection guide that walks through four areas of life where gratitude can be cultivated.
| Credits: Author: Jacintha Payne; Photography - Ali Marsh |
The hard things make us better and stronger. They open up the door for new things. Every no is an opportunity for a different angle or an alternate route to the destination - or in some cases a completely different and better destination than we ever imagined.