I Choose Gratitude: A 5-Day Plan on Being Grateful When Life Is ToughSample

Day 3: Grateful for a New Start

As the plane prepared to take off, I looked at my two children, holding back tears and telling them and myself that everything would be okay. Was it? I thought to myself. After twelve years of building and sacrificing, I am starting all over. I did not sign up to be a single parent. I waited and followed the “proper protocol” for degrees, marriage, and children. So why did my marriage not succeed? How did God allow this to be my story?

Isaiah 43 18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it” (NIV). I had to trust God and not lean on my understanding. I did not realize that God had been preparing me for my new journey for years. From my job to my fear of driving, he constructed things in a way that prepared me for my new start.

Merriam-Webster defines “anew” as over again, for another time, or in a new or different form. I am so thankful that I can walk in this season anew. God will position us to “do it again” but in a “different form.” Our new start can only begin once we change our mindset, learn ourselves, and seek Jesus for guidance.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (NIV). Although I did not plan or envision this life change, I am grateful that God knew my future and had beautiful plans ahead.

Let’s take a moment and thank God in prayer:

Jesus, thank you for loving us, for your mercy and grace, and for your plans for our lives. Help us see ourselves the way you see us. Thank you for allowing and positioning us for new beginnings in you. Amen.

Written by JC