“When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself” (Tecumseh).

I saw recently on Facebook where a friend from Union University’s son passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. I don’t know any of the details. I only know that she and the rest of her family are grieving and in need of God’s peace that passes all understanding.

It shook me awake from my complacency and reminded me again that life is so very precious and fleeting and not guaranteed for any of us beyond today.

I was reminded sharply that I need to quit taking my family, my friends, and my life for granted, as if they will always be there.

The best way I know to keep living this life as a gift is to give thanks early and often. Even if your one gratitude is for being alive, that is still enough to give thanks. Gratitude breaks the stranglehold of entitlement and helps me to see that everything good in my life is God’s good gift to me, not anything I’ve earned or deserved.

My mantra once again is to give thanks and to keep giving thanks until I change my attitude from one of complaining and grumbling to acceptance and gratitude.

It starts again today.