Life was too full yesterday to even sit at a computer and finish my thoughts on gratitude.

I have to tell you, though, that “full days” do not fix grief, and I am learning month by month that busy, for me, isn’t always better.  Tim and I are both entering some new and different level of sadness right now.  I don’t know if it is the changing of seasons and the fact that last spring we were so numb that makes this spring so much more difficult.  I don’t know if it’s the reality sinking in deeper and deeper that Nick will never walk through our home again humming or throw a football in our yard or sit at the computer and create a new piece of artwork or have a friend over or…..and on and on and on.  I just don’t know.

All I know is this:

Grief is the toughest road I have ever been on and without the hope of Heaven, I would be in bed 24/7, this blog would not continue, and I would not want to live another day.

I am so thankful for I Thessalonians 4:13,

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

So as I read the next chapter in Choosing Gratitude entitled “Why Choose Gratitude?” I was struck once again with the reality that my ability to say “thank you” even now in deep sadness continues to be a choice.

Not always an easy choice, but one I have to make daily.

Nancy gives eight reasons we should choose gratitude based on Scripture:

1. Gratitude is a matter of obedience

2. Gratitude draws us closer to God

3. Gratitude is a sure path to peace

4.  Gratitude is a gauge of the heart

5.  Gratitude is the will of God

6.  Gratitude is evidence of being filled with the Spirit

7.  Gratitude reflects Jesus’ heart

8.  Gratitude gets us ready for Heaven

Knowing all of these truths are based on The Truth inspires me to choose gratitude today.

Even when many of my deeper conversations involve an unsteady voice, quivering lip, and periodic tears, I choose gratitude.

Gratitude for more than just blessings but also for pain…because I KNOW and BELIEVE that God numbers our days, uses our tears, and promises joy for eternity to those who trust in His Son.

Trusting,