Monday, July 28, 2008

Gratitude in Times of Trial

Gratitude is the light that glows from under the door in a dark room. It is the flower that blooms in the cracks of a rock, the sun filtering through clouds, the rainbow after the storm. It's knowing there is a tapestry on the other side of the knots, and that beautifully colored windows come from bits of broken glass.

It is saying thank you to God even before we've learned the lesson that will inevitably come from the hard knocks.

It nurtures hope in the midst of adversity.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This sounds like faith to me. When our faith is strong, it makes it possible to experience gratitude in the midst of hardship because we know that God is with us, whereas without faith...it doesn't bear thinking about! Beautiful thought-provoking post, as usual!

Eve said...

When we are going through hard times, it is hope that keeps us afloat but faith is what keeps us moving forward. I really don't know how I got through some of the things I did before I got saved, without faith in a better tomorrow.

MuseSwings said...

Beautiful! It is the small and insignificant that can be the greatest blessing. Gratitude comes from that realization.
Cynthia

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

...and there is so very much to be grateful for, no matter what is going on in our lives!

Esther said...

Mibsy: I so agree... gratitude sprouts from faith... "in everything give thanks."

Eve: This reminds me of a quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon - "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened." I agree... Having God through hardship gives us great hope.

Cynthia: Yes! It is the small things really, like those on our "happiness lists," that bring enlightening moments of gratitude.

Sara: Amen!

Esther said...

PS Sara, I think of 1st Peter 1...

Lavinia said...

Amen to this. Gratitude.....give it all the the Lord.