I’m Grateful

Today I have a song to share with you. The artist, Paul Cardall, has an amazing story. If you need inspiration today, read about him here. He was born with half a heart - he says that God made up the difference. He was fortunate to survive not only his childhood but also a heart transplant a year ago. A few days ago he climbed a mountain in his state to honor his brother who died a year ago. See video of his climb here. He has faced many trials, yet he still finds the good in life, gives thanks to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and uses his amazing musical ability to bring peace into the lives of many people.

Here is the song I want to share with you today. I hope you will both listen to the song and watch the video as it contains many beautiful images.

Grateful by Paul Cardall

Paul – I am grateful for your positive example.

In this music video, the words “Be willing to forgive” jump out at me. I like this phrase. As survivors we are sometimes commanded by well meaning people to forgive. “You have to forgive,” they say. But until we work through our grief and really understand what happened to us, forgiveness seems like one more burden we carry. I often felt like a failure – like I had let God down because I couldn’t reach forgiveness. In a few days, I will tell you more about my journey to find forgiveness for my father, but today, I want the words, “Be willing to forgive,” to be in your mind. I love that Paul Cardall used that phrase because it makes finding forgiveness a gift instead of a burden.

Today I am grateful for:

My life and good health

My family and friends

My beautiful home

All the beautiful things in our world

And of course, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.