WARNING: If you are not a believer in Jesus dying for our sins, this probably isn't the post for you.
I think most, if not all of us, get so caught up with this crazy mess we call life that we forget to sit back and thank God for all that He has provided us with. (i am definitely guilty of this) it doesn't make you any less of a believer or lover of Him by any means. but look at it this way; you just made the most spectacular gift for someone you adore and they don't say thank you. i would definitely be a little heart broken, wouldn't you? we get so busy with things that we forget to take a deep breath, take a look around, & see this absolutely beautiful portrait that God has so kindly and gently painted for us. yes, there are many, many hardships in life that consume us & take us at full force. & sometimes in that moment of total despair we find ourselves looking to God. (which isn't completely a bad thing) but imagine how much more at ease you would be if you were to thank God every day for the things that you are so blessed to have. that hardship, it probably wouldn't be as bad. i once saw this older gentleman sitting outside of a local grocery store holding a sign that read 'Need Money, Food, Work. Also, need help getting closer to God' when i first read his sign i instantly felt so bad for him. this poor old man needed someone to help him. but then as i sat there for a second, it hit me. God made it so extremely easy for you to walk into a church and praise Him. in order for you to talk to God all you have to do is close your eyes & let your heart & mind take over. God is with you every single step of the way. He has your life mapped out down to every single detail. He will never,ever leave your side. when you are having a horrible day, remember that. when you are having the best day of your life, also remember that.
