Even on My Worst Day: Finding Hope in Gratitude

There’s a certain comfort in knowing that every action we take has the power to create ripples of change, even if the full extent of that change eludes us. Ella Wheeler Wilcox captured this sentiment perfectly when she said, ‘With every deed, you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.’ It’s a reminder that even on the toughest days, there’s still the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Let me paint you a picture of my life: I live in a world that some might call “blessed.” I have a wonderful wife of 28 years, four beautiful adult children, and two amazing granddaughters with another on the way! My life is filled with abundance—I have a middle-class income, multiple cars, more pairs of shoes than I can count, and clothes overflowing in my closet. And let’s not forget about the food—I have plenty to share with others.

But here’s the thing—even on my worst days, when everything seems to be going wrong, I still have so much to be grateful for. Yes, I make mistakes that can hurt my business or relationships. The weather doesn’t always cooperate, and doctor visits don’t always go as planned. And like everyone else, tragedy knocks on my door from time to time.

But at the end of the day, I go home. Did you catch that? I go home! I drive to my house, sit on my comfy couch with my wife, eat a meal at my table, and crawl into my bed to sleep. It’s a simple routine, but it’s filled with so much gratitude and hope for the new day ahead.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as fortunate as I am. Worldwide, millions of people lack safe and sustainable housing, leaving them vulnerable and without hope for a better tomorrow. As the saying goes, “Homelessness contributes to hopelessness,” and it’s a cycle that’s difficult to break.

But at Hope and Horizons, we’re not “OK” with this. We believe that safe and sustainable housing is the key to unlocking hope and belief in better tomorrows, just over the horizon. It’s about giving people the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

As the saying goes, “Blessed to be a blessing.” When we bless others, we not only increase their joy and hope but also deepen our own sense of gratitude and fulfillment. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving that brings us closer to the true meaning of abundance.

So, if you’re looking for a way to make a difference, consider donating to Hope and Horizons. Your support can help us provide safe and sustainable housing for those in need, giving them the hope and opportunity, they deserve.

Together, let’s build a world where everyone has a place to call home—a world filled with hope, gratitude, and endless possibilities.”