As the temperatures finally start cooling down here in Georgia, I can feel a gentle shift in the air, and my heart is turning toward gratitude. Not the picture-perfect kind we see on social media, but the real, messy, beautiful kind that comes from walking through both valleys and mountaintops with Jesus.

I've been reflecting on what gratitude looks like in this season of my life, and I want to share what's on my heart with you.

The Unexpected Blessings of This Season

I'm grateful that my parents are in their 80s and that I'm in my 50s, with the privilege of seeing and talking to them every day. There's something precious about this time that I never could have imagined when I was younger. Back then, my parents seemed invincible—their door was always open, they were always there to listen to our problems and offer comfort and wisdom when life felt overwhelming.

I'm grateful for my husband, Ronald. With his encouragement and support, he made it possible for me to leave my nursing job so I could spend more time with Mom and Dad and help them with their needs. Together, my parents have almost daily medical appointments, and being able to be present for them in this way feels like such a gift.

I'm grateful for my brother. As the only children of our parents, it's incredible that he, along with my husband, daughter, and nephew, can "tag-team" with each other to care for Mom and Dad. We're all sharing in this journey together, and that means everything.

When Gratitude Changes Everything

Spending time with my parents has shifted my perspective on gratitude and thankfulness. Our roles have reversed in ways I never expected. Instead of walking through their door seeking comfort for our needs and problems, we're now going inside to see about their needs. As the days progress into weeks, their frailty becomes more apparent to all of us.

And you know what? I'm grateful that God has given me this opportunity, in this season of my life, to be able to spend more time with them and meet their needs.

It's not always easy. Some days are definitely more challenging than others. But there's something beautiful about being able to return the love and care they gave us for so many years. The Bible reminds us in 1 Timothy 5:4 (NIV): "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."

A Scripture That's Been Speaking to My Heart

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12, NIV).

This verse has gained deeper meaning for me. Honoring our parents isn't just about being respectful when we're young. It's about being present, being caring, and embracing the opportunity to love them well in every season of their lives.

This commandment isn't just about duty—it's about recognizing the sacred privilege we have to give back to those who gave us everything. When I help Mom with her medications or sit with Dad during a doctor's appointment, I'm not just checking items off a caregiving list. I'm living out my faith in the most practical, beautiful way possible.

The Beauty in the Ordinary

Some of my most treasured moments these days happen in the simplest settings. Sitting in a medical office waiting room, helping sort through the mail, or just being present when they need someone to talk to. These aren't the moments I would have chosen to be grateful for when I was younger, but now I see them as pure gifts.

There's something profound about witnessing your parents' vulnerability and choosing to meet it with love rather than frustration. It's taught me that strength isn't about maintaining independence forever. It's about gracefully accepting help when we need it and gracefully giving help when we can.

What This Season is Teaching Me About Love

This experience of caring for aging parents is shaping not just my daily life, but also the stories I'm called to write. Love isn't always romantic gestures or grand proclamations. Sometimes love looks like:

• Patience when the same story gets told for the third time
• Choosing to see dignity in dependence
• Finding joy in small victories and small comforts
• Understanding that presence is often more valuable than solutions
• Learning that caring for others is one of the highest expressions of faith

How This Connects to My Writing Journey

All of these experiences with family, this season of caring for my parents, and the lessons God is teaching me about love and gratitude—they're all finding their way into my December 2025 novel. I'm discovering that the most beautiful stories come from the most real places in our hearts.

The characters I'm creating understand that love shows up in waiting rooms and grocery store runs, in late-night phone calls and early morning check-ins. They know that romance isn't separate from the rest of life—it's woven into the fabric of how we care for the people who matter most.

What About You?

As we move deeper into this beautiful autumn season, I'm curious—what are you grateful for these days? Maybe it's something big, maybe it's something small. Maybe it's something that surprised you, like my gratitude for doctor's appointments and the chance to help with tasks my parents used to handle on their own.

Sometimes, sharing our gratitude with others multiplies the blessing, don't you think?

A Heart Full of Thanks

Until my next novel release gets closer, I'm sending you love, prayers, and the reminder that every season, even the challenging ones, holds gifts of grace, if we have eyes to see them.

This season of life has taught me that gratitude isn't about denying difficulty—it's about finding God's goodness right in the middle of it. And friends, there's so much goodness to be found.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." - Exodus 20:12

I'd love to hear from you: What unexpected blessings have you discovered in challenging seasons? How has caring for others (whether parents, children, or friends) changed your perspective on love and faith? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your stories matter and inspire me more than you know.

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