Walking in Gratitude Through the Storm

Gratitude comes easily in joyful moments and in response to good news. But I have learned that uncertainty, disappointment, and pain are conditions for truly life-altering gratitude. It does not always flow naturally but can be an intentional choice—especially when life doesn’t go as planned.

When my plans took an unexpected turn, I found that repeatedly choosing appreciation helped me stay aligned with divine guidance, reclaim my power, and receive blessings I could not see coming.

Disturbing News

I had just put my children to bed when I saw the text message from my boss: “Can you call me?” I felt my stomach drop. It was rare to receive communication like that from her, so I knew something was wrong. 

My boss outlined a list of complaints that an intern whom I had supervised for a week had made against me. I had supervised several other interns and worked as a therapist at that practice for almost a decade. Thankfully, my boss made it clear this was the first grievance against me she had received. She brought the intern and me together for a meeting to address the allegations, and it was resolved. Even in that unsettling moment, I felt a flicker of gratitude for a boss who believed in me and for my record standing on its own.

Weeks passed, and I felt relief and even pride having come through the experience unscathed. Then one night I received a letter from the licensing board for professional counselors. I again felt my stomach drop, even before I opened it to see the intern’s formal complaint. Although the board does not oversee supervision of graduate student interns, all complaints are subject to an investigation. I consulted an attorney, wrote and submitted a response, and met with the case investigator. Then I waited. 

The power of appreciation aligned me with divine order and shifted my mindset.

Waves of Anxiety

I felt waves of anxiety and anger, but I grounded myself in the loving presence of God within. I kept returning to gratitude, giving thanks for access to legal support and the chance to stand in my truth. I felt myself growing stronger through adversity.

In the meantime, I was excited to embark on a new professional venture, beginning a three-year training program I had waited years to take. When I found out my training would take place at Unity Village, Missouri, a sacred place that holds meaning to me on my spiritual journey, I saw it as confirmation I was on the right path.

After attending the first module, I received an email from the training organization. They inquired about the complaint made against my license, which I had disclosed during the application process. They asked for the outcome. After I informed them that it was still in process, they responded: “Your registration for the next modules will be on hold until we have resolution from the board.” 

I felt confused, sad, and enraged. I didn’t understand why things were not working out and how someone I barely knew could wreak such havoc on my life. I cried and wondered, Why is this happening to me? The next training module came and went without me, all without word from the board. As a member of a cohort, I would fall behind and would not be able to continue with my group. I grieved as I accepted that I would not be able to continue with the training. I felt lost. 

God Intended It for Good

Then I remembered Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20: “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good.” What a blessing to know that no matter what happens, I can experience God’s protection and renewal. I acknowledged the harm and its impact, but I also recognized a greater purpose at work.

But Spirit within could not transform my life without my consent and participation. The power of appreciation aligned me with divine order and shifted my mindset. With that came a deep trust that nothing was in my way. My purpose doesn’t lie on the other side of what appear to be obstacles, but rather, the path that I walk is my purpose. I remained steadfast in faith, and my ability to trust the process of life allowed me to see the good flowing to me. I knew that I could transform the experience by seizing it as a chance to learn and grow. 

First, I turned inward and focused on self-care. An opportunity to practice self-compassion in real time lay before me. I allowed myself to feel my emotions, which helped me feel stronger. Like a storm that rains on a garden, pain watered the soil of new growth.

Second, I examined areas for improving my supervisory work. The accusations against me were false, but I was willing to acknowledge my weaknesses. I used my anger as fuel for making positive changes, creating clearer expectations and guidelines, and being more attentive to my supervisees’ documentation. 

Last, I saw the experience as redirection, not a block. I was willing to take the detour because I trusted Spirit within was leading me. Listening to my intuition and guidance, I found myself walking a path I wouldn’t have otherwise. I discovered a new training program that brought the spiritual dimension to my healing work and reconnected with my soul’s purpose. Ultimately, that led me to open my own business offering spiritual coaching and guidance. 

I see the fruits of God’s promise deliver my highest good. But I got there because I did not wait for resolution to practice gratitude. Rather, gratitude helped me stay open to miracles, ready to receive the blessings meant for me.