Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks

My mom was an incredible person. She recently passed away at the age of 100, and I wasn’t allowed to visit her because of COVID-19 restrictions. I was so angry and disappointed. It’s made the grieving process so much harder, and I’ve heard of countless others who could not touch, kiss, or hug a dying relative. If that’s your story, I’m so sorry.

Although I could not hold her during her last moments on Earth, I still carry her in my heart, spirit, and mind. Mom was like the unsinkable Molly Brown. My mom’s attitude was always so incredible. The Bible admonishes us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

I’m sitting in the Sambalatte coffee shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, writing about an attitude of gratitude, and my mom’s beautiful face is flashing through my mind. I’m crying with gratitude for her life and example. She lived these words that Paul the Apostle wrote: always rejoicing, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all things.

friend, many people want the will of God, but they don’t want to change their attitudes. 

Will you choose to give thanks to God and people? Will you choose to rejoice no matter what?

There is a rainbow at the end of every storm for those who can see it, and you will see it because you are a miracle. God has your back.