Sleep is also an extraordinary blessing. Many people suffer from insomnia and rely on medication to fall asleep, while most of us are able to sleep peacefully. This is a special favor from God.
There are two events in my life that deeply shook me and transformed my understanding of gratitude. Both are short but deeply impactful.
The first relates to a close relative who passed away due to lung cancer. In the final stages of the illness, the lungs begin to collapse, and breathing becomes extremely difficult. Normally, we breathe without even thinking, but for her, every breath became a conscious struggle. Witnessing this, I realized how unaware I had been of such an immense blessing—the ability to breathe with ease. Life’s trials remind us of the countless blessings we live with daily.
The second incident occurred at a wedding. When the meal was announced, guests rushed toward the dining area. I was among the last to enter. Once the space was full, a curtain was drawn to prevent more people from entering. A little while later, once the meal was over and the curtain was removed, about ten to fifteen children rushed inside. They began picking bones, scraps of meat, and rice off the floor—some even putting them into their bags. There was joy on their faces. These children should have been in school, but instead, they were surviving on leftovers at weddings. One of the hosts told me that these children often line up at such events, waiting for people to finish so they can collect the remains. That moment shook me to my core—it made me realize how effortlessly we consume our meals, while for others, even a single meal is a luxury.
I remember as children, we used to go on “nature study walks” at school. We were taken to deserts or plains to observe the sun, moon, and stars. We were taught that all these things exist to serve us—that the sun, moon, and stars were made for our benefit, that God has provided us with air, water, and food. When we reflect on these things, we realize how much care God has taken of us. And then, beyond all of this, He has also given us a family that supports and loves us.
In a life filled with trials, we must remain grateful for the blessings God has given us. The attitude of gratitude gives us the strength to face life’s difficulties and helps prepare us for the Paradise to come.