Gratitude After The Storm

In the last several weeks different people in our church have lost everything in one of 3 different storms. Do you remember what life was like before Hurricane Debbie wrecked so many lives a couple of months ago? What about those among us who lost everything during Hurricane Helene. That experience was life-changing for you. Do you remember the anxiety earlier this week as we watched weather reports, warning us about Hurricane Milton? How do you feel now that the storm has passed, and we see all this wreckage all around? Have you enjoyed the long gas lines? I have seen some fights. The Davis’ are still without power, so no bragging, please! Is it possible to find gratitude in the aftermath of a disaster? When we’re tempted to ask, ‘Why me?’—is there a deeper question we should be asking instead? Can we still be thankful, even when the world feels shattered? Even though life has been disrupted, and things are not “normal”, what can we have gratitude for this morning? There’s a certain kind of Gratitude that isn’t really a response to earthly blessings, or getting through a hurricane. It’s the capacity to experience grace, even in sorrow & chaos. Today, we’ll take a few minutes to explore how gratitude really isn’t a response to earthly circumstances. But circumstances can reveal if you understand true gratitude.