This morning I learned of a young man who made a post on a social media site and less than three hours later he was dead in a senseless act of violence. I am certain when he made that post he had no idea he would be dead a few hours later.
That made think about how we can sometimes take life for granted. We hold grudges, stop talking to people, and end relationships many times over something minor. Is whatever you are upset or offended about worth you missing precious moments with someone you love? Probably not!
Many times, hurting people hurt people. That person who hurt you is probably hurting. Maybe your act of love, forgiveness, phone call, apology or whatever will be the bridge to their healing.
Would you be devastated or have regrets, if you learned now that the person you are not communicating with had passed away? If so, it is time to redirect the energy used ignoring, dodging, and not forgiving to forgiving, loving and healing.
It may sound cliché, but tomorrow really is not promised to any of us. We sometimes think we have all the time in the world because of our age, but young people die every day. Someone did just this morning. Life and relationships are too precious to sweat the small stuff. Count your blessings, not your problems! Once you do, you may find you have more to be grateful for than thought.
I recently heard it said, “What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?” If that were the case, how much would you have when you woke up?
I would love to say I would have a lot, but I would be lying. I sometimes take it for granted that I have a husband who loves me, a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, a healthy child, good health, two vehicles in good condition, money to pay my bills, and so on. Someone is praying for the blessings we take for granted.
Years ago, I started a gratitude journal and every day I had to write in it one thing I was grateful for. Each day I would review what I wrote the previous days so I was always reminded what was going right in my life. Maybe I need to go back to that.
I encourage you to stop right now and count your blessings. If you want, comment below and share them with the world. If you think you don’t have anything to count, you are alive and that in itself is a blessing and a gift.
Be encouraged and remember, “All things work together for good to them who love the Lord.” Romans 8:28
Image Credits: Images found on Pinterest
Have a blessed day and remember to find the “jolly” in every “moment” life brings your way!
~ Keishawna
The Jolly Moments 
I have truly been expired by your post of forgiveness and don’t take life for granted because I haven’t spoken to my mother in years and of suddenly I just felt it was time to get over me not speaking to her because she always was not the mother she is oppose to be or the grandma I wish she be I am truelee bless to be able to have no hatered towards my mom for these years that passed and bless she still a live and I can say to her I am sorry I forgive you and move pass this and be happy cause we only live once and Ham not gunna take it for granted again god bless by ms.
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Hi Monica,
I am so excited that you were able to take the path of forgiveness. It takes a strong person to do that. I am sure your mother and children will be blessed by your decision. There is a quote that says, “Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right. It makes you free.” It sounds like you are now free to move on and love your mother flaws and all. That is a beautiful thing. I truly wish you the best moving forward in your relationship. Thanks for visiting my blog.
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Thank you for this post!
I wrote a post this month about gratitude. Check it out when you get a moment: http://psbefearless.com/2014/01/03/more-gratitude-less-complaining/
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Hi,
Thanks for visiting! I checked out your post and your blog. I look forward to going on this “fearless” journey with you!
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I suddenly feel a strong urge to write out a LONG gratitude prayer.
🙂 wow
Be thankful always — good thinking!
I enjoyed a few articles here. THANKS!
~ Eric
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Hello Eric,
Thanks for visiting my blog! I pray you were blessed. Sometimes crazy things happen in life, but I am purposing as much as possible to give thanks even when it’s hard. Again, thanks for visiting and I will definitely check out your blog as well.
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Great blog Keishawna!
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Hello Terrance,
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it. I pray you were blessed!
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Amen! The more we focus on what we have to be grateful for the less time we will spend comparing ourselves to others and complaining about what we don’t have. Great post!
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Hello Anna,
I completely agree with you! Comparing and complaining takes our focus off the things that matter the most. Thank you for commenting.
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I find it so important to be thankful because I know that there’s someone else who would love to be in my shoes. Not that my shoes are that great, but I am grateful for the blessings that God gives daily. You’re so right about “hurting people hurt people” and it can be hard to extend grace to the people that hurt us. When we show love to the ones who hurt us we mature and grow. I really felt this post and thank you for sharing sis!
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Hello Afrophire,
You are absolutely right! Our shoes may not be that great to us at times, but there is always someone who would love to wear them. I forget that sometimes, but always realize how blessed I am when I am reminded of that. Thanks for commenting.
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