He answered with one simple word: “Gratitude.”
This week, the chamatkars have been more personal than usual. As we approach Mother’s Day, a day I find painfully confronting each year and even more so since Zac has passed away, I’ve been sharing some of the things that help me navigate hard days.
One emotion that stayed with me throughout Zac’s journey was anger. I was mostly angry at God for allowing this to happen and not intervening despite our relentless prayers. I was angry at the doctors who missed the symptoms and allowed it to escalate. I was angry at myself for failing to protect my child. I was even angry at Zac’s body. Why didn’t it fight the virus that caused all that harm?
Mind you, there was nothing anyone could’ve done differently to prevent what happened. None of my anger was justified, but that’s just the thing, isn’t it? Anger is rarely reasonable.
I knew I had to work through it and eventually let go. It was a long, hard process that I needed help with from a professional counsellor. Perhaps I’ll share more about that journey one day.
But there came a point where I was ready to let it go. I repented from my anger and remember feeling so… empty.
Anger can be a powerful coping mechanism or even a motivation. But once I surrendered it, I didn’t know what to do with myself. It had been such a big part of me.
A few days later, I asked God, “Fine, I let go of my anger, but what comes in its place now?” He answered with one simple word: “Gratitude.”
It’s so simple I could’ve thought of it myself. God reminded me of the power and importance of being grateful.
But don’t just take my word for it, the Bible says so too:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Instead of dwelling on my pain, I began listing all the things I was grateful for. As I did, I felt God’s peace fill the void left by my anger.
Take a moment today to list all the things you are grateful for.
