Some days are just harder than others. And this one has felt hard for me.

One of my friends reminded me of a practice we used to have in the online book club to which we belonged. We do a post called “3 Gratitudes” and everyone had to post three things for which they were thankful. Focussing on gratitude helps when the days feel sad and dark.

So I’m going to share mine, and I encourage you to share yours:

1. I’m thankful for all the pictures of friends wearing red to honour Nova Scotia today. Seeing pictures of my friends, and knowing that we are united in our grief, makes this tragedy just a little more bearable.
2. I’m thankful that the weather is a bit warmer today. Koski and I will head out on our walk in a few moments, and that always helps to lift my spirits. The snow and wind at the beginning of the week made it difficult to get out. So I’m glad its’ warmer today.
3. I’m thankful for the on-going, careful, wise, reasoned, science-based leadership in our country. From most of our politicians, and from all of our medical experts, we have seen what it looks like for people in leadership positions to step up and come together in a unified response. We have so much to be grateful for, Canada.

What are you giving thanks for today? You can comment here, you can simply say them in your own heart, or you can write them down elsewhere (a journal, for example, if you keep one). Recognizing the gifts God has given is good for a soul!

Until tomorrow, dear friends, give thanks, pray continually, keep the faith and know that you are never alone.