By Stephen C. Schultz
An Attitude of Gratitude
The wall approached quicker than expected! Lightly tapping the brakes did little to slow our momentum. Thankfully, the slight incline in the parking lot helped the car slide to a stop.
Pushing the ignition button and pulling on the door handle, I bumped my left shoulder against the frame and slid out of the front seat, trying to find my balance on the icy pavement. My two colleagues stepped out as if nothing unusual had happened, seemingly unaware that we had just slid into our parking spot. Together we gingerly shuffled across the slick lot, stepped up onto the curb, and inched our way along the walkway to the door.
Our purpose that morning was to visit RedCliff Ascent for a meeting with their clinical team about treatment plans and documentation. But first, we needed breakfast. We stopped at a small-town McDonald’s just off the interstate—about halfway through our four-hour drive.
Inside, we ordered the usual breakfast fare. While waiting, I stepped aside near the counter with the straws, napkins, and soda fountain, checking my email on my phone. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the next customer step forward—a woman in baggy sweatpants, bundled in a thick hoodie, black snow boots, and a scarf.
As she placed her order, I half-listened to the quiet exchange between her and the cashier. Then I heard,
“Sir? Sir? Can you help me pay for my breakfast?”
I looked up, unsure if she was speaking to me. The cashier glanced at me and softly explained that the woman’s Food Assistance Card was a few dollars short. A line of people waited behind her, and the cashier clearly wanted to close the sale. Without saying anything, I reached into my pocket, pulled out a five-dollar bill, and handed it over the counter. The woman thanked me quietly, and that was that.
We got our food and returned to the car—thankfully without slipping this time. The next couple of hours passed with light conversation and a lot of reflection on my part. I couldn’t stop thinking about that woman.
What circumstances, I wondered, had led her to that McDonald’s on that cold morning? What struggles had she faced? There were far more questions than answers.
And then I felt it—a deep sense of gratitude.
Gratitude for the way I was raised, for parents who taught me to value moments over merchandise. Gratitude for my work, my family, and my faith. And gratitude for the quiet assurance that life has meaning and purpose beyond what we can see.
Without faith in a loving God—one who wants us to return home—life’s hardships might feel random or cruel. But faith gives us perspective. It teaches us that we are travelers in time, developing patience, hope, courage, and determination to face life’s storms.
I was reminded of a favorite passage by C. S. Lewis:
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you understand what He is doing... But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably... The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of... You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace.”
~ C. S. Lewis
As families and friends gather this Thanksgiving, may we all remember that gratitude isn’t reserved for the holidays. As my daughter wisely says, we can show an “Attitude of Gratitude” every day—thankful for the small blessings that fill our lives, often when we least expect them.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful Holiday Season.
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