Taken for Granted, yet Given by Grace

Every day, we are surrounded not just by comforts, but by miracles disguised as ordinary things. We breathe fresh air without effort, never realising how priceless each breath becomes inside an ICU where oxygen—the very thing that keeps us alive—is controlled, counted, and cried for. The air we ignore becomes a treasure when life hangs by a thread. We turn a tap and water rushes out, so common that we hardly notice it. Yet somewhere, a child walks miles under the burning sun just to fill a small container. Somewhere, a mother prays for rain. Only when scarcity hits our own doorstep do we understand how precious every drop is. What flows freely in our homes is a dream in someone else’s life.

We sleep peacefully at night and our eyes open automatically in the morning. We assume it will always be so. But for many, yesterday was their last sunrise. Waking up is not routine—it is God’s gentle gift of one more chance, one more day, one more breath

We worship God openly—sing aloud, pray boldly, and gather freely. But in some corners of the world, believers whisper their prayers in locked rooms, hide their Bibles, and risk their lives for a single moment of worship. What we treat as routine, they treat as a miracle. And yet, in all these blessings— air, water, sleep, awakening, worship, freedom—we often rush through life without lifting our eyes to say, “Thank You, Lord.” Gratitude turns the ordinary into holy ground. A thankful heart sees God’s love in every breath we take, every drop we drink, every step we walk, and every sunrise we witness. Today, let us slow down. Let us see what we usually ignore. Let us treasure what we easily take for granted. And with humbled hearts, let us give thanks to the God who sustains us every moment. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

Dr. R.K. Behera,

Principal, MGM College.