25 Days of Israel: Day 14 - Gratitude, When It's Hard

This is Day 14 in a series of posts I have chosen to write during the time of my current - and last, for a while - trip to Israel in March 2023. My experience of Israel in these last 7 years of my residence has been vivid, inspiring, nerve wracking, debilitating, and wholly, precisely, profoundly the medicine I've needed. Words will not (yet) fully express the treasures I've received from my presence here, but I believe the commitment, challenge, and confidence of these 25 Days of Israel are a beautiful homage to their glory in my life.

Life has its highs and life has its lows, but we can always call on our gratitude for connection and faith, especially when it's hard. We might resist seeing the light of the moment or experiencing the feelings of our challenges, but at the end of every day, gratitude is always worth it.

Gratitude, When It's Hard

When there’s not enough time, when you can’t make the rhyme,

Gratitude.

When the drama’s too high, when you’re wanting to die,

Gratitude.

When you’re sick in your bed, when you’re all in your head,

Gratitude.

When there’s too much to do, when there’s not so much of you,

Gratitude.

When you’re frantic in place, when you’re stuck in the fucking race,

Gratitude.

When you wish for relief, when you might lose your belief,

Gratitude.

When it’s time for a break, when you think you’re just a flake,

Gratitude.

When you just need one more, when you just need another door,

Gratitude.

When it’s all left on the line, when you don’t feel all too fine,

Gratitude.

When you’ve dropped down on your knees, when no one seems to hears your pleas,

Gratitude.

When the real world feels far away, when you really want to go and play,

Gratitude.

When you’re ready for a peaceful life, when you’re ready to give up your strife,

Gratitude.

When you actually manage to let go, when you know you know you never know,

Gratitude.

When you give yourself another chance, when you take the time to join the dance,

Gratitude.

When you’re wholly left in hopeless love, when you’re your answer from above,

Gratitude.