Gratitude in the Midst of Grief

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I’ve learned that grief and gratitude can live side by side. After a 5-year battle, our son Caleb went to heaven, and I made a choice: to be grateful for the miracle of his life instead of being swallowed by sorrow. Was it easy? No. But I remembered his smile, his love for life, the little ways God showed up during his treatment—and I gave thanks.

Gratitude in grief isn’t denial. It’s defiance. It’s saying, “God, I still trust You!”

Reflect: Are you grieving something or someone? Ask God to show you a glimpse of His goodness even in your sorrow. Write it down.