After I lost my arm, the one thing that really stood out to me was that I was very glad to be alive. I could’ve died that day, but God kept me alive for a reason!
My gratitude for life really propelled me forward and kept me out of a lot of dark paths that I could’ve gone down throughout my life. Being grateful even helped me make the choice to get back on my board and start surfing again.
This theme of gratitude overflowed into many areas of my life. I wanted to continue to thank God for the life He had graciously given me. In my mind, a huge part of that was giving back to and loving the people that God put in my life.
Life is a beautiful thing and if you’re reading this, you’ve also been given the same amazing gift that I was – LIFE! Every breath is truly a gift from God.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17
So my questions for you today are, are you thankful for this gift? How are you stewarding it?
We can choose to get bummed out and discouraged when tough things come our way, which they inevitably will. Or we can choose to overcome and be grateful for the good moments and the blessings, even in the midst of the hard times. There is always something to be thankful for! While this doesn’t minimize the pain we’re going through, this mindset can help us not get stuck in it.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
I encourage you to start thinking about the gifts that God has given you today – both little and big. Perhaps it’s your health, a fun outing with a friend, time with your family, a car to take you where you need to go or a good day at your job.
Check out this video, where my friend, Nick Vujicic, shares his perspective on this:
Once you see these things as gifts, steward them well! Is your life honoring God and others?
You don’t have to create a non-profit or speak from a stage to do this. You can start by loving those who God has put in your life. By encouraging, being there for people, making strong decisions, being generous and putting others before ourselves, we make a difference in the lives of those around us. Do the best at where you are at with both the good and the hard things that you have in your life!
I am cheering you on today to live a life overflowing with gratitude!
