Gratitude, a Condition of the Heart by Lt. Taylor Brutto
I remember walking out of the hospital into the windy, cold, dark day.  It had been awhile since I felt the wind on my face, it reminded me that I was awake – it was as if God was pinching me.  I was definitely awake and living out my worst nightmare.  I will never forget the long curved concrete ramp that led my family and I to the beginning of the rest of our lives without our dear loved one. The fight was over and the battle was won, but it wasn’t until many years later that I could truly be thankful for that day and understand gratitude. And on that day I finally realized God’s deliverance is more than I could ever imagine.
Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
And glory in Your praise.”
1 Chronicles 16:35
Thankfulness is a condition of the heart.  Authentic gratitude is shown when we understand our need for Jesus.  Being thankful is not just about tangible things on earth, but remembering our need for Christ.  We were born dead, filled with sin, filled with darkness, but we do not have to die.
I am forever thankful that I recognized my need for Christ.  Jesus came; he washed me (and you) in His blood, conquered death and is living in me.  Jesus saw me; he rescued me and even when I held my rags in His face; he opened his arms and accepted me just as I am as His beloved daughter.  My eternal life is not coming, it is not after my death, but is RIGHT NOW.  No matter the pain of my past, or the trials in the future, I will give thanks to the Holy one for my freedom in Christ Jesus.