For those who have experienced great loss and deep grief, you can probably relate to the days when you feel numb. Days when you close yourself off from emotions because you can feel you’re standing on the edge of deep sorrow again—and you’re simply weary.

I have had those days. Days of canceling plans, isolating myself, and finding distractions so I didn’t have to feel.

While those moments may be understandable, they are not places where I want to remain. 

Each day is filled with blessings, even when our hearts are hurting.

I have a journal that I try to complete each day, listing something I am thankful for. Some days that comes easily. Other days it takes more effort. It doesn’t make the sorrow disappear, but it helps me stay awake to the blessings God is still placing in front of me.

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote:

“The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.”

Those words remind me of Jesus’ instruction in Mark 13:37:

“What I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” (ESV)

Jesus was calling His followers to live with expectant faith as they waited for Him. Grief can tempt us to turn inward and lose sight of that hope. His words encourage me to keep my eyes open—to the promises still ahead and to the evidence of His grace today.

For me, staying awake means choosing to remain present. It means acknowledging my grief without allowing it to consume every part of today. It means giving thanks for what God has placed in front of me, even while longing for what has been lost.

I still miss the days when our family was united on this earth. That longing has not disappeared. But I am committed to staying present in what today brings, giving thanks, and staying awake to the gifts God continues to give.

I’m sure there are people reading this who are struggling to start another day because of hurts, disappointments, or losses. This world can be brutal. There are days when simply getting out of bed feels like a victory.

But there is One who has overcome the world.

Lift your eyes to what is to come, and today take one step forward. Open your eyes to what God has gifted you today.

I once heard someone say, “What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?”

That question challenged me, so I sat down and made a list of everything I was thankful for. The next morning, I looked at my list and thought I would grab my coffee and simply go about my day, appreciating those things.

Then I realized something.

I had forgotten to thank God for coffee.

So today, I’m thanking God for all of you…

and coffee.

 

 

Diana Waldron is a friend of Sanctuary in Trauma who writes from her personal experiences of faith, loss, and God’s sustaining grace. This reflection is shaped by her journey of grieving the loss of her daughter, Sarah Lindsey.

Sarah was a writer, friend, and ministry partner with Sanctuary in Trauma. Diagnosed with cancer as a young bride in her early twenties, she exemplified a growing faith and surrender to her Creator throughout her journey. Though she is now with the Lord, her life and testimony continue to encourage others with the hope and wisdom she gained through suffering.