Perspective for October 2026: The Peace and Power of Gratitude

Finding joy in the small

Sonia M. Wignall October 2026: Episode Fourty Nine

Hannah, the most beloved wife of Elkanah, was barren. She pleaded with God for a son and made a vow: “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.” 1st Samuel 9.

God granted Hannah her petition and with a heart of gratitude, after her son was weaned, she took him to live with Eli to raise him. Although she was thankful for her first born, we can only imagine the heaviness of her heart when she left Samuel as a young child.

Abraham was 99 and his wife Sarah was 90 with no children of their own. God sent a message to Abraham he would have an heir. Sarah, considered her age, and their current state of intimacy, and laughed. Most women probably would have laughed also. After experiencing a measure of impatience and a sequence of events, an heir was born out of Sarah’s womb.

Gratitude through Through Worship

God tells Abraham: “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah… and offer him there as a burnt offering”. Yes, this was the instruction after waiting over 99 years for “the son” to be born. Genesis 22:1–19.

Abraham obeys without hesitation

He prepared the journey, took Isaac up the mountain, bound Isaac, and placed him on the altar. He prepared to slaughter him. God sent an animal for the sacrifice, Isaac was spared.

Both Hannah and Abraham Bible stories are acts of worship and gratitude in motion.

We recently had a bad weather event that affected our home. We made it through with some structural damages. Our hearts are grateful. One day, as I sat on the peaceful patio of our beautiful appointed temporary home, I was reminded that I had been asking God for some time away from my everyday routine. I wanted some quiet time and a place for personal solace.

Here I was exactly in the midst of my private prayer request being answered, but I was not processing that where I was at the moment was exactly what I had petitioned God for.

I was in the most serene, quiet, beautiful, uncluttered space I had been in, besides a hotel room, in years. Although we have a lot of trees surrounding our home, in the temp home, just admiring those trees took me to a place of worship and praise.

As I sat on the patio, looking out at the trees, I considered my brothers and sisters worldwide that would give anything for a good night sleep on a clean covered mattress.

I thought of those that are grateful for the smallest amount of food, provision or a covered and safe place to live. I thought again and again of my family in Cuba with only 2 hrs a day, sometimes no days, with electricity and water. I also thought of all the beautiful immigrants from other nations that arrive in the US with a hopeful and grateful heart, even for the small. In gratitude for all I have been given, and the resources we have, I have learned not to take the prosperity of our nation for granted.

My heart quietly leaped in gratitude for the solace of the home we were in. All the beds in the home, plus the additional sleeping spaces. I wish I could bring my family here with us.

It finally dawned on me that God had this beautiful place waiting for me even before I asked. It was the same with Hannah’s private prayers, and Abraham heart’s desire for an heir. God already knew.

The takeaway is living in gratitude, even for the little, and releasing it all to the Sovereign King of Kings and Lords of Lords is not only a powerful but a therapeutic and peaceful way to live.

“Whether your cup is half-full or half-empty, remind yourself there are others with no cup.’ – African Proverb