The Majestic and the Miniscule: 5 Steps to Gratefulness During Tough Times
In 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had four surgeries and five hospital visits within three months. I remain flat-chested because reconstruction efforts were thwarted by an infection of staph and strep that led to sepsis.
“A perfect storm,” summarized my physician.
The Big Stuff
It was about this time my long time-friend also received the news she had cancer as well. She suggested we read Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are and start a gratitude journal. I knew this would be good for me, and to do it with my friend would keep me accountable.
Previously, when I’ve tried to keep a gratitude journal, I naturally went for the majestic and the big thank yous, like thanking God for my family, friends, shelter and mountains. After about a month of this, I sat on the side of my bed, straining my brain, trying to be appreciative of additional big, important things.
The Little Stuff
But I really wanted to thank God for dew drops on a leaf after a recent rain, goosebump-giving music, a well written book, and the smell of Pumpkin Pie scented Yankee Candle.
But did those small things really count, when it came to thanking GOD, the master of the Universe?
Ummm, yeah! He created those things.
Didn’t I think He would appreciate me appreciating His handiwork? Sometimes I just don’t get why I discount things. But I digress.
In her book, Ann Voskamp thanked God of the universe for the whole world around her. It gave me permission (like I needed it) to make my gratitude count for not just the majestic, but for the miniscule as well!
Along with the prayers from family and close friends, I attribute this little daily act of gratefulness to getting me though my cancer journey, and all the crazy side effects.
The Circumstantial Stuff
God made our bodies and minds to be thankful. When we start focusing too much on ourselves, we get depressed. I should know—I’ve been there.
This time, however, when I went through this life-threatening situation, a little gratitude went a long way.
When we are grateful—even during cancer and pandemics—it trains our brain to travel in a different path, toward thankfulness, not bitterness or depression.
I don’t by any means make light of a tough situation. I’m not in your shoes, nor do I know what you are going through.
But what better time than Thanksgiving to make gratefulness a part of your daily diet?
5 Steps to Gratefulness During Tough Times
Some depression is clinical, but some is circumstantial. Here are some ideas to beat depression.
1. Look for the obvious: family, friends, shelter, food.
2. Look for the majestic: mountains, ocean, clouds, miracles
3. Look for the miniscule: a smile, a bee on a flower, falling raindrops on a window
4. Look for the unseen: Our Loving Father, gravity, wind, love, hope
5. Be stalwart: refuse to give up on thankfulness, in spite of what is going on around you.
Question: What majestic and miniscule thing can you be thankful for today? How about tomorrow? Try to pick a majestic and miniscule thing to be grateful for all week.