​Gratitude

We all know that gratitude is important, right?  But why is it so hard to remember to be thankful? 
 
At least, I find it hard.
 
Lately, though, there has been some improvement in this department for me.  It came in a rather strange way, though.
 
A couple of weeks ago, I came down with an ugly stomach bug…I hadn't been sick like that for a long time.  I had to keep an ice cream pail beside my bed and made all-too-frequent use of it.
 
As my stomach settled down and my strength slowly returned, though, I felt an immense sense of gratitude...gratitude that I could walk around...that I could begin to eat solid food...gratitude for the gift of life!
 
As my health continues to improve, I pray that the gratitude I experienced through this temporary lack will stay with me and not fade away with the last of my residual symptoms. 
 
I pray that my unpleasant bout with this illness may be the beginning of a pattern of more frequent gratitude in my life.