Even inTurmoil, there is something to be grateful for.

After recently announcing to a few friends that I have become a gratitude evangelist, dedicated to helping people find reasons to be grateful in order to live better, someone challenged me, stating that it’s impossible to find something to be grateful for during difficult times.

With a smile on my face, I shared two (2) stories below:

STORY 1

Joshua and his wife, Jamila, faced serious issues that led to violence in their home. Joshua, in a fit of anger, attacked his wife as if she were a stranger. Thankfully, she managed to escape and reported the case of domestic violence to the police. She requested that Joshua promise not to harm her again to avoid going to jail. Remarkably, they are still married today. Though they still experience conflicts, they now manage them better.

STORY 2

Frank and his wife, Matilda, had a disagreement regarding household expenses, which escalated into a heated argument. Strong and muscular, Frank physically assaulted his wife, arrogantly believing it would teach her to respect him. Matilda, wiping away her tears, nursed her injuries and continued with her daily tasks. Later, when Frank returned from work, she humbly apologized to him and served him dinner. He embraced her, expressing his own remorse, hoping their love would continue to flourish.

However, as Frank peacefully slept that night, Matilda heated water to an extreme temperature on their gas burner. Confirming that Frank was deeply asleep, she poured the scalding water over his body before fleeing for her safety. Eventually, she was apprehended by the police. Frank survived the attack but required costly skin grafting, amounting to millions of Naira.

Frank and Matilda are now divorced.

One might question what there is to be thankful for in the stories. Well, Frank could have lost his life if the neighbours hadn’t heard his cries for help. Thankfully, he was counselled so he wouldn’t live in fear of women for the rest of his life.

Joshua, on the other hand, may feel bitter that his wife reported him to the police. However, would he have preferred to suffer the same fate as Frank, enduring the agony of scorching hot water? In truth, Joshua has much to be thankful for.

Those stories are real except for the characters.

If we take just three (3) to five (5) minutes to reflect, we will discover that there is always something to be grateful for.

Your call to action — Be grateful for something today.

Shalom.