Have you ever experienced disappointment? Well, of course you have! Encountering occasional setbacks, or obstacles, is part of the human experience. Fortunately, so is finding joy! Join me as we explore how to experience genuine gratefulness in all circumstances.
A Lesson Learned from One of My Fur Babies about Genuine Gratefulness
As any pet owner will attest, every animal comes with its own unique personality, or disposition. Similarly, each one is imprinted with an exquisite combination of likes, dislikes, sensitivities, etc. My dog, Augie, is no different. From the moment we brought home our precious Black Lab/Border Collie mix, he had red, irritated eyes like someone dealing with allergies. Unfortunately, my family’s most recent out-of-state move brought to light the actual depth of Augie’s sensitivities.
Recently, Augie battled and, thankfully, recovered from a severe bacterial skin infection. According to the vet, my sweet fur baby acquired the infection from excessively licking his paws (due to the intense itching caused by his allergies). Unfortunately, attempting to rid himself of allergic discomfort, Augie created exposed, broken skin, eventually manifesting an infection.
Throughout the years, my fur baby has faced various skin infections and sailed through each one. However, this time was different. Having previously adjusted to a modified diet (twice), Augie’s most recent infection was so extreme (to the point of lameness) his new diet required drastically restricting his food alternatives. Actually, leaving one food option. Just one. Complicating matters, I was told his new food would not be as palatable. Oh, wonderful! I really hope he likes it. These thoughts swirled around in my mind until his dinner time.
Just like clockwork, Augie rang the proverbial “canine dinner bell,” alerting me to one of his most anticipated moments of the day (just like I shared in a previous post titled Seek God Daily with Love and Dogged Persistence). In preparation for Augie’s diet transition, I integrated some of the new food with the old and placed it before him. The moment of truth. Will he like it? Will he eat even if he does not like it? Well, what do you think happened, dear friend?
Much to my surprise and delight, Augie voraciously ate his food! He liked it! Not only did he like it, but he actually seemed to really enjoy it! In fact, he thoroughly licked his bowl (and even returned later to repeat the process), hoping to find more!
Watching Augie embrace his highly restricted diet with pure joy taught me something. My precious fur baby showed me genuine gratefulness and joy are possible in any situation. After all, even though one of his favorite parts of the day had drastically changed (i.e., only eating extremely bland food devoid of all color), Augie chose to run toward his new normal. In that moment, not only did Augie accept it, but he embraced it!
Bridging the Gap Between the Lesson Learned and Other Circumstances
Things in life will not always go as planned. After all, we are perfectly imperfect people living in an imperfect world. Therefore, what do you do when disappointments arise? Do you sulk and complain about what you do not have, or do you embrace the moment and look for things for which you are grateful (like my dog, Augie, chose to do in his situation)? As you ponder these questions, I will share insight I have told my own children, as well as my former students, through the years. In life, you cannot control everything that happens or what others do, but you can control how you choose to respond. That is always your choice.
Applying Gratefulness in Response to Daily Life Changes from the Pandemic
When reports initially emerged Covid had evolved into a global pandemic, most people probably never could have imagined we would still be in the midst of it two years later. Yet here we are. I think it is safe to say everyone’s daily life has been impacted due to the pandemic, albeit to varying degrees. Nevertheless, there remains much for which to be grateful. For example, if you are reading this, then you have survived the highly transmissible, and potentially fatal, virus! Dear friend, this is definitely a reason for gratitude! After all, many lost their lives or a loved one (or more) to this relentless virus, but you are still here. Thanks be to God!
The pandemic has wreaked havoc in the lives of countless individuals in other ways as well. Many found themselves home-schooling children, working from home, losing jobs, overworking, socially isolating, and feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Additionally, many individuals and families have struggled with making ends meet. Does any of this sound familiar? It does for me, too, dear friend.
Despite the frustrations, disappointments, and challenges brought about by Covid, the human spirit has persevered. Therefore, let us revisit items from the previous paragraph and choose to see them with genuine gratefulness. Here we go!
One huge blessing during the pandemic has been families increasing their level of interactions. Another positive aspect is the increasing accessibility of technology, especially for those living in lower-income neighborhoods and rural areas. People have learned new skills as well as taken up new hobbies. Additionally, employers continue to creatively discern new ways to conduct business.
Other positive aspects have also come to light during Covid. More drive-thru food banks opened to combat food insecurity, helping those who lost jobs and struggling to make ends meet. In addition, many people gained a new appreciation for living in a country with advanced health services, staffed by knowledgeable, caring individuals who willingly go above and beyond to provide quality health care on the front lines.
Wow! Did you notice how the tone shifted the moment you chose to view things through the lens of gratitude? This is exactly how my dog, Augie, approached his situation. Instead of refusing to eat or whining for the food he adored, he was grateful, and content, for the food he had. He realized although the taste (or lack thereof) was different, the food still nourished his body. In reality, it was actually giving him exactly what he needed. For this, he was genuinely grateful.
What Scripture Says about Gratefulness in All Circumstances
As I have discussed in previous posts, God is ever present and faithful. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:5-8, NIV). Therefore, let us examine a couple of verses found in Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments, which illuminate His divine constancy in the lives of His beloved children.
According to Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV), God’s children should, “…give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (bold and italics added for emphasis). These verses encompass a lot; however, let us take a moment to break things down a bit.
First, we are called to express our genuine gratefulness to God. Notice, nowhere does it say we should thank Him only when things go well. Quite the contrary, we are to give thanks at all times. Scripture also reflects the Heavenly Father’s unconditional, never-ending love and faithfulness, which endures through all generations not just reserved for those who lived during ancient times.
In a letter to the church in Thessalonica, Apostle Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, sought to encourage and celebrate the faithfulness of Christ’s followers despite persecution. Paul reminds fellow believers, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) (bold and italics added for emphasis). Wow! Did you catch that?
As followers of Christ, we are to give thanks in all circumstances. I do not know about you, dear friend. However, my experience has been sometimes expressing gratefulness proves challenging and requires a great deal more faith, particularly in difficult moments. Nevertheless, Paul’s message is clear. God’s will (or intention) is for me (and you, dear friend) to give Him thanks, regardless of the situation.
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
Encountering an occasional disappointment, setback, or obstacle is simply part of being a perfectly imperfect person, living in an imperfect world. But wait! Despite difficult moments, much exists for which to be grateful. Therefore, I encourage you to remember God’s will for you in all situations and then shift your focus. When you choose to change your perspective, you will begin to experience genuine gratefulness in all circumstances. Thanks be to God!