A prayer to God can help us rediscover our graditude

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV).

October had been a rough month, trying to solve various problems I was facing. Before I knew it, the hands of time ticked away, and I was entering a new month with not one problem resolved.

Since my childhood, the Thanksgiving holiday and birthdays of some special people in my life have made November one of my favorite holiday months. For that reason, I have used November as a month to bring my level of gratitude up a few notches. However, this particular November, I was really struggling. It seemed to be more difficult than usual to find anything to be thankful for.

Feeling dismayed, I sat at my computer and pondered my situation. I sighed, as I silently prayed, asking God to help give me some insights on how I could stir my heart to be more thankful.

Knowing I needed a boost of inspiration, I Googled Christian inspirational stories regarding Thanksgiving. I clicked on the first link and eagerly started to read the story. A few words into the second sentence, I noticed something about the story seemed familiar. With the following passage, it hit me - I was reading a story written by my good friend.

In our beginning days as authors, we had spent countless afternoons on the phone sharing our ups and downs, hopes and dreams regarding our aspirations to write.

I sat amazed, as I realized with that click of the mouse, God had answered my prayer by leading me to a memorable time and friendship I was grateful for. I quickly finished reading her story and decided to call and tell her what had happened, and what a blessing she had been to me over the years.

I discovered gratitude is one of God's ways that takes us from the drudgery of daily cares and problems by refocusing on something in our lives that is or was good.

Lifting up a prayer to God for help when we lack an attitude of gratitude can help us rediscover what really counts, and get us though one more day.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach, and nurse. Invite her to speak at your church group, business or organization or be your personal coach. Annettee can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or call (847) 543-8413, Visit www.annetteebudzban.com.