At first glance, it would seem like a bad start to the day. I left in what I thought was plenty of time to get to my doctor’s appointment on time. Google maps showed that my destination was 28 minutes away, so theoretically, I should arrive with 2 minutes to spare. Only I didn’t.

Rain and traffic had other plans. I ended up being 10 minutes late to my appointment. Plus, I’m not a fan of driving in the rain and it rained on me the entire way. It would have been easy to chalk up the day as a loss and be prepared to start over the next day.

But then I remembered that I have a reliable Jeep that gets me to where I want to go and keeps me dry in the midst of rainy Wednesdays. I have good health that I routinely take for granted until someone I know has a scary diagnosis or suffers from health issues. I have a good job with insurance and an HSA that helps me afford the visit to see my doctor.

Every challenge is really an opportunity to exercise my ability to give thanks. Even in cold wet days, I can find the proverbial silver lining. I have yet to see the day so dark and dismal that I couldn’t find anything to be thankful for.

I recall hearing something that stuck with me. If all God had done was to save me from my sin and hell and did absolutely nothing else for me this side of heaven, it would still be better than I deserve. If God never gave me one more blessing or granted me one more prayer request, He would still be worthy of my thanks.

Yet there are daily small gifts of grace, most of which I miss from complaining or feeling entitled. But they are there if only I can see with eyes of faith and gratitude.

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