Raising the Flag of Gratitude

Raising the Flag of Gratitude

This morning, as I walked into the rising sun, I was reminded of the precious gift of a new day. Each sunrise brings with it an invitation to let go of what was and embrace what lies ahead. Gratitude becomes the lens that helps me see the opportunity hidden in every moment.

A close friend of mine recently said he was going to put up a wall against his past. He carried both fond memories and deep pain, but his future could no longer look like his past. As I reflected on his words, I thought about the sunrise itself: how breathtaking it is when it first appears on the horizon, yet how equally beautiful it is when it rises in full. If I stayed wishing for the half-risen sun, I’d miss the glory of the full morning light.

Life requires pruning. A tree cannot grow strong if branches that drain its energy remain. In the same way, we have to let go of the branches of our past that no longer bear fruit. We close doors, and in doing so, new doors open. We raise our flags each morning. Some raise bitterness and resentment. Others raise gratitude and thankfulness. I choose gratitude.

I have faced heart surgery, uncertainty, and seasons where tomorrow wasn’t promised. Yet here I stand, with my wife beside me, my daughter shining her light, my family and friends supporting me. These storms did not destroy me—they strengthened my roots.

So today, I raise the flag of gratitude. I set my eyes forward and above. I walk in thankfulness, trusting that the best is yet to come.