Kathy Coffey

Difficult experiences are the hardest things for which to be thankful. But sometimes years later, we may see how a gift was hidden there.

The COVID-19 quarantine in much of the world invited us to look twice at what we took for granted. We’ve mourned many losses and promised to appreciate blessings when they resumed.

Some experiences can only be appreciated afterwards, not during. Then, we thought there was nothing to appreciate. But now we can see how that experience was exactly what we needed.

Upon meeting obstacles, Katharine Drexel remarked that if they weren’t in her plans, they must’ve been in God’s. The next time you encounter a problem adopt her spirit.

The good news from science is that gratitude can lead to chemical bodily responses that bring health benefits and longer life spans.

With reflection we can see links between past and present, the whole web of our lives shining with God’s presence. God knew exactly what we needed and provided it.