As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been nothing short of a whirlwind. It’s been a year of challenges, growth, and above all, gratitude.
Earlier this year, I received a diagnosis of asthma. At first, it felt like one more hurdle in a season already full of trials. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, I’m no stranger to challenges, but this was different. Managing a chronic condition alongside the demands of family life and professional responsibilities forced me to slow down and reevaluate what truly matters.
While I navigated my health journey, my children were also facing their own life challenges. Watching your children struggle can be heart-wrenching, no matter their age. As a mother, my instinct is to step in and fix everything. But this year, I’ve been reminded that my role is not always to solve but to support—through prayer, encouragement, and simply being present.
Through it all, one thing has remained steadfast: my relationship with God. It’s in these difficult seasons that I’ve learned to lean into Him even more. Life’s storms have a way of driving us to our knees, and for me, prayer has been my lifeline. I’ve found strength in lifting up my struggles, as well as the struggles of my children, to a God who hears and cares.
Gratitude has been my anchor. I’ve learned that gratitude is not just about appreciating the good times—it’s about finding something to be thankful for even in the midst of hardship. For me, that gratitude is rooted in the unwavering presence of God in my life. When I pause to praise Him, even on the hard days, I’m reminded of His faithfulness. Gratitude fuels my hope because it shifts my perspective. It helps me focus not on what I lack, but on what I have: a God who walks with me through every trial, a family to love and support, and the strength to face each new day.
I’ve also been blessed by trusted relationships this year. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation with a friend, an encouraging word from a family member, or the faithful prayers of my community, I’ve been reminded that we’re not meant to walk through life alone. God often works through people, and I am deeply grateful for those He has placed in my life to help carry me through this season.
Praise has become a powerful tool in my journey. There’s something transformative about lifting my voice in worship, even when my circumstances don’t feel praiseworthy. It’s in those moments of surrender that I’ve experienced God’s peace and renewed hope.
This year has taught me that gratitude is not passive—it’s an active choice. It’s waking up each day and deciding to see the blessings amidst the challenges. It’s choosing to trust that God is working all things for good, even when I can’t see the full picture.
As I look ahead, my heart is full of hope. Gratitude has a way of propelling us forward, reminding us that the story isn’t over, and that God’s grace is sufficient for whatever comes next.
To anyone walking through their own season of challenge, I want to encourage you: lean into God, lean on those you trust, and find moments to praise Him. Gratitude will not erase the difficulties, but it will give you the strength to keep going. And in those moments of thanksgiving, you’ll find that hope begins to rise, even in the darkest storms.
This year has not been easy, but it has been rich in lessons. For that, I am truly grateful.
What are you grateful for as we close out this year? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another with the power of gratitude.

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