MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 8

“You know, but do you understand?”

— Unknown

At this point in my life, I believe I recognize the difference between knowledge and understanding. When I was younger, I saw the two words as interchangeable, but now I know and understand better. Knowledge is facts, information, and skills one acquires through experience or education. Understanding is comprehending or grasping something mentally. As strange as it may sound, you can know something without understanding it.

When I created the gratitude journal, my intent was to focus on specific life events that make me a better person. Although I am eternally grateful for my life “staples,” I didn’t want to write about them in the journal. However, like most things in life, I experienced something that allowed me to see it would be very remiss of me not to express my appreciation for them. So, I decided to revise the purpose of the journal.

A little over a week ago—Thursday to be exact—I turned 45. To be honest, I haven’t fully digested the fact that I am in my mid-forties, and it is also hard for me to embrace the fact that the tiny human wrapped in white blankets in the photo above is me.

I entered this world on Thursday, August 5, 1976. All of the days I’ve seen haven’t been filled with butterflies and rainbows, but I realize they could have been worse. I recall a more than pleasant childhood. All my needs were met and I got more than a fair share of my wants too. I was blessed with loving God-fearing parents, and a brother who is my knight in shining armor. I survived the heartbreak of my first love, a failed marriage, and the loss of two babies. You could say I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I’m still here.

I now understand I have a purpose and with that comes difficult moments, which were designed to teach me where my help comes from. I’m not just aware of who my help is, I also understand He has been with me from the very beginning. He knew me before He formed me in my mother’s womb 45 years ago.

I am grateful for knowing God is, and I’ve come to know and understand I can’t live without Him.

“For in him, we live, and move, and have our being…”

- Acts 17:28 KJV

MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 5; Friendship & Love

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV

Today, I am grateful for friendship. The inspiration for this week’s journal entry came from two sources. The first was my acknowledgment of the friends I have and my appreciation for the concern and encouragement they show me. I realize I am blessed to have people in my life who I can talk to about everything. The second source is Easter. Those of us who believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ observe this ultimate demonstration of friendship and love every day; but, this Sunday, His act of obedience will be highlighted around the world.

As John 15:13 states, there is no greater love than a man who would lay down his life for a friend. For me, one of the ways someone can express friendship is by being a source of encouragement and love.

About two years ago, one of my friends gave me a gift that encompasses encouragement and the love God has for us. She gave me a devotional entitled, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Each day, I receive a message that is befitting to whatever I am experiencing. It was given to me at a time when I needed it. I felt broken and defeated, but the words of comfort and reassurance in this book reminded me that God is with me and He won’t put more on me than I can bear. I appreciate my friend for recognizing my need and giving me a matchless solution—the Word of God Himself.

I am eternally grateful for God’s unconditional love for me and true friendship and as a gesture of my gratitude, I am going to bless someone with a copy of Sarah Young’s devotional.

If you’re interested in a chance to receive a copy of Jesus Calling, share what you are grateful for with me. Please send an email to towandawrites@gmail.com stating what you’re grateful for and why.

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 pm Saturday, 24 April 2021. The selected entry will be shared with our readers, and the author will receive a copy of the devotional.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!