Gratitude

Today's (in)courage's monthly carnival. First of all, if you haven't checked out (in)courage yet, go right now and do it.

So today is about gratitude. 
I am currently sitting with one of my best friends in the entire world (the kind that is there no matter what, no matter when after however long) waiting while her grandpa is dying at a nearby hospital.
I won't go into all of it, but this beautiful girl is no stranger to loss and pain.
I've spent many nights in tears with and for her over so many different things.
And while she's no stranger to grief, she's also no stranger to a life lived in community with our Lord.

While we are playing this horrible waiting game, she is currently harmonizing to "How Great Thou Art" and meaning every word.
I have heard her say the words "God is good" multiple times today.
And while tonight I am in pain for her and her family, I am filled with gratitude for this amazing woman.
God gives and God takes away.
Tonight, unfortunately, I am watching that happen.
But I am watching it happen to a woman so in love with her Lord that her gratitude to Him is not dependent on the circumstances she finds herself in.


What a lesson I need to learn.