Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
As I’m writing this, I am reminded of the blog post I shared this past January about a song that God had given me. It was a song meant to remind us of something that is easy to forget: we are called to be thankful not only for the blessings and beautiful moments that come our way, but also for the incredibly difficult seasons that test our faith, strengthen our hearts, and reveal God’s presence in ways we never expected.
Standing here this morning in our hospital room, with Indiana resting beside us, Rebecca and I can truly say, “Thank you, Lord.” We thank Him for answering our prayers, for carrying us through moments of fear and uncertainty, and even for the difficult wake-up call we have experienced. It was a moment that shook us deeply, but it was also a moment that reminded us how precious life is and how every single day with the people we love is a gift.
The past few days have been filled with emotions that are difficult to describe. There were moments of worry, moments of waiting, and moments where all we could do was trust that God was holding Indiana in His hands. As parents, nothing prepares you for seeing your child go through something unexpected. Your heart aches, your mind races, and you find yourself praying more sincerely than ever before.
But through it all, God was present. He worked through the incredible doctors and nurses who cared for Indy. He gave strength when we felt weak and peace when our hearts were overwhelmed. He surrounded us with kindness, prayers, messages, and love from so many people who reminded us that we were not walking through this alone.
Looking back, I realize that gratitude is not only something we express when everything is going perfectly. True gratitude is a choice we make even when life is hard. It is choosing to recognize God’s goodness even in the middle of uncertainty. It is trusting that He can use difficult moments to teach us, to slow us down, and to help us see what truly matters.
This experience has been a powerful reminder that we often take ordinary days for granted. The simple moments — sitting together, sharing a meal, hearing laughter, watching our children grow — are actually the extraordinary gifts of life. Sometimes it takes a frightening moment to open our eyes and help us appreciate the blessings that have been right in front of us all along.
For Indiana, Rebecca, and me, this has been both a terrible and wonderful wake-up call. Terrible because it brought fear and uncertainty. Wonderful because it brought a renewed sense of gratitude, a deeper appreciation for family, and a stronger reminder of God’s faithfulness.
So this morning, from this hospital room, our hearts are full. We are thankful for answered prayers. We are thankful for the people who stood beside us. We are thankful for the lessons learned through this experience. And above all, we are thankful to the Lord for His love, His protection, and His constant presence.
Sometimes the hardest moments become the moments that change us the most. And sometimes the storms we wish we could avoid become the very places where we discover just how strong our faith can become. Today, we choose gratitude. Today, we choose to say: thank you, Lord.