A spirit of gratitude and joy doesn’t depend on whether or not things go as I planned, whether or not I get that longed-for call or e-mail or text, whether or not my bank account is overflowing, or whether or not my past has left me in a present that I would not have chosen on my own.

It comes from within, where God dwells, and therefore, it need not depart when outward circumstances fail or change, because He never changes. His character is always the same.

So today, I not only rejoice in the new mercies I’m given each day to face these outward elements, but I also choose gratitude for the fact that He will not ask me to face them alone!