There are a lot of posts on here about how to get through hardship and adversity, but it’s a Friday and the sun is shining. A good friend of mine just fell in love with a wonderful man after years of unexciting dates and missed connections. Another friend is excitedly in the courtship phase (and just this morning, asked me to proofread a love letter). It’s almost the end of summer and it seems that the world is starting anew.

Without a doubt, these new chances bring with them a fresh sense of perspective, a new awareness, and a willingness to embrace the future. But sometimes, we get so used to going through hardship, we forget how to receive love and gifts with an open hand. A new baby, a new relationship, a wonderful job…How can we thank God for unexpected blessings?

Experience It: Experience the joy. Really. So many of us can easily get stuck in our brains, trying to imagine ourselves out of the goodness before the gift is really realized. Stop. Breathe. Allow yourself to receive the goodness and blessings in your life.

No Second Shoe: At least for a little bit, stop thinking. Instead, ask yourself what your brain is trying to tell you. Is it telling you that you’re afraid of joy? Anxious? Waiting for the other shoe to drop? Here’s a key – what if God only has one foot and there’s no second shoe to drop? Live from that place and focus on keeping your hands and heart open.

Picture By AlicePopkorn

By Marissa Cohen