Living a life of gratitude often means embracing the unexpected, even though it might not seem intuitive at first. For many, unexpected events can be viewed as either positive or negative, depending on their nature. Some occurrences are welcomed with open arms, while others are seen as disturbances.
I propose that unexpected events are just that—events—regardless of our feelings about them. Living a life of gratitude distances us from being subjective in our thoughts and emotions about these events. When the unexpected occurs, we are called to embrace it, knowing that we are being guided to handle any situation in our lives. Life uses all events to bring about our fulfillment. It is not necessarily for us to understand how our lives will unfold or how unexpected events will lead us to our own fulfillment.
When we live a life of gratitude, we thank life for this moment in its perfection. Whatever event we face, it is up to us to express gratitude for this moment. We may not always know the outcome of some events that confront us, but only through gratitude will we discover purpose and direction.
Unexpected events often push us into directions we might not have taken otherwise. They force us to act and make decisions we would not have otherwise considered. We may not know the results and outcomes immediately, but these events have purpose when we live a life of gratitude. In my experience, the significance of what we go through often becomes clear only later.
A few years ago, I experienced an unexpected event that illustrates this point. Without warning, a situation emerged in my workplace that affected my attitude towards continuing my employment with that employer. By coincidence, another opportunity arose that offered the possibility of gaining some income from a different source. I also reviewed my financial situation and discovered that I could invest in purchasing an apartment in a location that had always appealed to me. Without delay, I recognized that a change of direction could be beneficial. I made that change: I resigned from my employer, started new employment, purchased a property, and changed my place of residence—all within the space of a couple of months. This unexpected event initially took me by surprise, but it also laid the foundation for positive changes. The results of that unexpected event lingered for a few years. It led to the purchase of a seaside apartment that dramatically increased in value within a year. I found employment that benefited me both financially and physically. As a family, we ended up living in a better location. My wife’s employment improved, and my daughter and granddaughter, along with my son, benefited from the purchase of the apartment.
In summary, unexpected events often bring about changes that are not immediately recognized for their value. However, by living a life of gratitude, we embark on a journey of acceptance. We give thanks for our present circumstances, believing that life guides us in unexpected directions. These unforeseen events often steer us onto new paths, and only by embracing these changes can we discover their benefits. Patience is essential when facing life’s changes, as unexpected events can have significant, life-altering effects.
We may become anxious and lost in worry, but practicing gratitude allows us to embrace change, accept our present circumstances, and have the faith that good will emerge from every situation. Although our lives may be altered, sometimes we need to be nudged into new experiences to reach our full potential. It is not our place to question the reasons behind events but to embrace them and understand that life is perfect as it is. So let life guide and direct you, and allow your potential to unfold naturally.