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

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