Choosing Thankfulness

This post was originally written several years ago and has been lightly edited for clarity and relevance. It reflects my thoughts and experiences from that season of life.

As I sat waiting for a simple errand to be finished, I found myself with a little unexpected time to pause. I made the choice to be thankful.

Thankful that I can find peace and hope in knowing who ultimately rules the world. Grateful that I don’t have to understand everything, because my heavenly Father does. Thankful for His mercy, given out freely and abundantly. Grateful that He is both just and good. I am especially grateful that evil does not have the final word.

My heart cannot carry all the pain and sadness I see around me, and I am relieved that I don’t have to. God never asked me to bear the weight of the world… only to bring it to His feet. It would be easy to complain, to grow angry, or to vent frustration (I feel that pull often). But faith invites me to choose a different response that echoes quiet and takes a more courageous stand. Choosing to resist fear, to release anxiety, to cultivate gratitude, and to speak honestly with God about what feels overwhelming.

My faith doesn’t ignore the heavy weight of the world, it helps me face it without being consumed by it.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6,7