Each day is a gift, an opportunity filled with new mercies and unseen blessings. The verse, “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), serves as a gentle reminder of this truth. Lately, it feels like this verse has been surrounding me like a warm embrace, constantly pulling me back to gratitude. Life is a series of moments—some filled with joy, others with deep heartache. Yet, in all seasons, there lies a gift waiting to be discovered, even during grief.
Reflecting on how we respond to earthly gifts, it’s easy to see our hearts overflow with excitement and appreciation. What if we approached each day, even the hardest ones, with that same sense of anticipation and thankfulness? What if we woke up each morning with an open heart, eager to witness what God has prepared for us? Life, however, is far from perfect. On difficult days—especially in the middle of grief—this can feel like an impossible task.
I know those days well. There were moments in my own journey when grief felt like a storm with no end, and I yearned for the roller-coaster of emotions to finally come to a halt. But, through experience, I’ve learned that amidst the tears, the yelling, or moments of deep silence, there must be a conscious effort to seek out the light, however faint it may be. Release your pain—allow yourself to cry, to shout, to mourn—yet be careful not to let that become the place where you remain. Finding even the smallest positive moments can help shift your perspective and breathe life into weary days.
A particularly hopeful promise comes from Psalm 30:5: “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Every new day brings a fresh start, another chance to weave joy into the fabric of our lives. Bad days will come, but they are not the end of the story. When we encounter a brighter day after the dark ones, it feels even sweeter, reminding us that God’s gifts are never far away.
Today, take a moment to search for something that sparks excitement, gratitude, or joy. It could be the warmth of the sun, a kind word from a friend, or simply a moment of quiet reflection. Let those moments be a reminder that, even in trials, there is still beauty, still hope, still grace. And in those moments, remember to thank God for these small but perfect gifts that sustain us.
As Mary C. Crowley so beautifully put it, “Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anyway.”
Find comfort in this—rest assured that God holds your worries so you can find peace, even if just for a little while.
