One cannot express enough gratitude for what God has given you. Life has a way of reminding us of our blessings.
As many know mom and I have had a basement fire that has caused much smoke damage. Fires and floods have a way of destroying the old and bringing a new beginning to you. Through the destruction they both cleanse and bring rebirth. God did this with the great flood. He brought a rebirth of his people through saving Noah and his family. He will do it again when He destroys the world with fire.
The fire we experienced brought a rebirth and new closeness to mom and me. I now tell her every day that I love her. It was a wake up call for us. She is almost 88 and will not be with me forever. It was time to bury our differences and show a greater lover for each other. It is time to be reborn out of the ashes.
One can find blessings and hope in destruction. And with God in charge, one can be thankful for the troubles when they trust God with the big picture. It is all about being molded and fashioned by the master potter. Imagine the sculpture that He is forming from you. As He puts the clay in the fire He is able to create something beautiful. Blessings can be found in the process to a better you.