Have you ever had a moment of gratitude wash over you in such a way that tears well up?

I was a little timid at first. I couldn’t remember the last time I had ridden a four-wheeler. The guide led us through a few small, slow loops which allowed me and my machine to get to know one another. Then, he took us on a path deep into the tropical forest. It was exhilarating. But it wasn’t until we made a turn that pointed us toward a break in the trees that the tears began to well up. I could see white sand and turquoise water ahead. As we emerged from the trees and rode on the expanse of the beach along the Caribbean Sea, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

In certain moments, it is easy to feel gratitude for the blessings in life. However, for other moments where tears threaten to well up, it requires a conscious choice. Starting the year with different circumstances than you expected. Receiving news that you never wanted to hear. Sitting across the desk to hear the decision has been made. Realizing that what you had hoped for isn’t possible. Learning that someone you trusted betrayed that trust. In moments such as these, tears well up yet it is so hard to feel gratitude. I had one of these experiences recently as well.

I fundamentally believe that everything turns out in the end, that things happen as they are meant to play out and that God is in everything. Remembering that I believe this in certain circumstances of life is not always easy for me.

So, I let the tears well up because God gave us emotions for a reason. Being gentle with myself, I take a little time to rest and do something that brings happiness. And, I talk to the people in my life whom I can trust and rely on to offer strength and insight. This is how I come to a place where I can offer gratitude for the circumstance I didn’t want or expect. I am overwhelmed with peace and thankfulness that God is in this and has a gift for me to learn just as precious as riding that white beach along the Caribbean Sea.