Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

A lesson in “heart” is my little 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot, and wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day and told me she had competed in “field day”–that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events.

Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down, but before I could get a word out, she said, “Daddy, I won two of the races!”

I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said, “I had an advantage.” Ah, I knew it, I thought she must have been given a head start….some special privilege due to wearing a brace.

Sarah said, “But Daddy, I didn’t get a head start; my advantage was that I had to work harder than the others!”

– Source Unknown