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Today’s wisdom is from God: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
Maybe right now your life is dark and dismal and it is difficult to be grateful. Maybe the following will remind you of gifts you possess . . . even in the dark times of life:
(Source: Anonymous, widely circulated inspirational essay.)
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness,
you are more fortunate than over a million people who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the fear of war, the loneliness of prison, the torment of torture, or the hunger of extreme poverty,
you are more secure than hundreds of millions around the world.
If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep,
you are better off than over a billion people who struggle with the basics of daily life.
If you have money in the bank, cash in your wallet, and spare change somewhere in a dish or drawer,
you are among the top 10% of the world’s wealthy by global standards of personal wealth.
If you can read this, you are more educated than at least 750 million adults who still cannot read or write.
If you can attend a place of worship without fear of persecution, arrest, or death,
you are freer than millions who must hide their beliefs to survive.
If you have access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and electricity,
you enjoy services that nearly 2 billion people still lack in full.
If your parents are still alive and still married. . . you are very rare.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder. . . you are blessed because you can offer healing touch to others.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful . . . you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Updated 2025 to reflect current statistics.
I’m sitting here in the airport of Boston, MA.
Reading this made me pause and give thanks for all the things you mentioned. What a great way to start the day! I’m joyful because I’m grateful. Thank you!