2. Thank you for what is and not what ought to be

Since the sudden death of my dad, I have looked back at my life every single day and imagined how different it would be if my dad were still here. Many nights I cried and blamed all the things that were not going my way on that unfortunate car accident. I have spent years beating myself down for things that ought to be instead of focusing on and being grateful for all the things that I have now.

In the last two years, my ingratitude caused me to walk through life carrying the weight of my past failures and regrets, believing that I was unworthy of the offer of God and that I'd missed my chance for the life that I had innocently dreamed of.

But in 2025, God has been renewing my mind to restore me and reshape how I see myself.

I am grateful for everything that God has done for me and continues to do for me and my children. Even in my darkest moments, when I wasn't worthy of his grace and mercy, God showed up for me and gave me a new lease on life.

I am grateful most importantly to be alive and here in the land of the living as a testament to the unconditional love of God.

My desire to be grateful is fleshly, and I beckon the Holy Spirit every day that I am blessed with a life that reminds me of just how lucky I am to have two eyes, a voice, a mouth, breath in my lungs, two functioning hands, healthy kidneys, a normal heartbeat, strong teeth, ears that hear, strong legs, beautiful, smart, healthy, and highly favoured children, a roof over my head, a comfortable bed to lie in, food on my table, clothes on my back, and all the other small things that I previously took for granted.

My renewed attitude towards gratitude is my resolve to count it all joy!

James 1:2-4: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Although it is easier said than done, the Holy Spirit is my strength when my flesh is weak.

And scientifically speaking, upholding a spirit of gratitude suppresses stress hormones and makes us healthier. Meanwhile an ungrateful spirit invites stress and with stress comes the worst illnesses including cancer! 

I hope you and your family will make the decision today to count it all joy!

God bless.

Sylvie

Sylvie is author, mother and host at youngandindependent.com