How This Shift Led Me To Gratitude

Sometimes, we have to be reminded how good we have it.

Allow me to explain.

But first, a quick story …

10 years ago, my wife and I moved to Nashville with two young children under the age of 3. Our move here was prompted by an opportunity to work for Dave Ramsey’s team. Still in debt, we lived in a small rental house in Franklin, a suburb of Nashville.

Our monthly rent was steal, especially by today’s standards, for a 3-bedroom ranch in the Franklin area. The best part was that because we were stable renters, our landlords never raised our rent during our 3+ years there.

I remember dreaming about getting out of debt so we could start saving for a house.

That goal seemed so far away.

Then, in 2017, our 3rd child was born with major medical complications related to having dwarfism. He remained in the NICU for over 10 months before we could bring him home.

Then we brought him, and his medical equipment home. We quickly realized that our 1100 square feet rental was becoming an issue. So, I began crunching numbers, and projected we were around 6 months away from home ownership being financially viable.

Months that still felt years away.

Then it happened.

My wife’s best friend called her and said she saw a “For Sale by Owner” sign, about a mile from where we were renting. The house had to at least be double the space we currently had.

It was an older neighborhood with houses that seldom hit the market, and when they did, they didn’t last long.

And it was 30% below market value, and 100% financially viable.

Two months later, we closed on that house.

It was a gift.

When we least expected it.

So when I poured my coffee this morning, I decided to move a patio chair tot the back of our yard so I could spend more time in the shade.

I sat down and was immediately taken back by this seemingly basic house, and how unattainable home ownership used to feel.

Then I start to wonder.

What new dreams and goals feel unattainable today that we will one day look back on?

Then, I am filled with gratitude.

Not for a house or accomplishment.

But for the journey.

All because I shifted my perspective.

If you are in need of a boost.

If you are feeling stuck, frustrated, or just realize you haven’t taken the time to reflect on your life and family.

Take a step back, change your perspective and you’ll start to see just how far God has brought you.

How those once unattainable dreams are now reality.

And you’ll be ready to pray, hope, and dream again.