Friends, welcome to Day 35 of my 7-40 Challenge. As I sit here on the eve of Labor Day, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. The long weekend stretches before us, offering a moment to pause and reflect, and today, my heart is full. I’m thankful for my family, whose love anchors me; for my home, a sanctuary of comfort; and for my friends, who fill my life with laughter and unwavering support. In the words of the Roman philosopher Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Today, I feel that truth deeply—I am truly blessed.
This post won’t be a long one, but it’s a heartfelt one. I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of gratitude and to say thank you—not just to the people in my life, but to God, who I love and strive to please. I try to express thanks as often as the thought crosses my mind, because every day I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to live the life I do.
Of course, life isn’t perfect. It’s a winding road, marked by bumps and bruises, highs and lows, moments of triumph and times of struggle. But isn’t that true for all of us? The beauty of life lies in its imperfections, in the way it challenges us to grow, to love more deeply, and to find joy in the ordinary. Those ups and downs are the threads that weave the tapestry of our stories, and I wouldn’t trade mine for anything.
I’m reminded of Helen Keller’s words: “So much has been given to me; I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.” Like her, I choose to focus on the abundance in my life—the love, the laughter, the small moments that make each day meaningful. I pray I never lose sight of this gratitude, that I never take for granted the blessings that surround me. Every breath, every connection, every opportunity is a gift.
As I write this, I’m sending a prayer up for you, too. I hope you’re spending this Labor Day weekend wrapped in the warmth of people you love, doing things that bring you joy. I hope you have a roof over your head, warm food in your belly, and a heart full of contentment. I’m still working on my goals, still pushing forward on this 7-40 Challenge, but today, my focus is on gratitude—a quiet, steady force that grounds me.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s carry this spirit of thankfulness into tomorrow and beyond. As William Arthur Ward said, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” Here’s to Day 36, and to living every day with a grateful heart.
The 740 Challenge 