Holy Cross Catholic School guides each student in developing academic, emotional and physical excellence while spreading the Gospel message as Jesus did, since 1868.

Ever feel like you wake up each morning to problems? Like they’re waiting for you to open your eyes, so they can grab all your attention at the start of your day? These problems can consume us and steal our energy. But in the process of handling the many issues that come our way, we may not realize the effect they have on our attitudes.

Focusing on life’s issues can lead to frustration, discouragement, or even hopelessness. One way to ensure that problems don’t overshadow the blessings in our lives is to give thanks.

We’re familiar with that old saying, “Count your blessings.” It’s something many of us learned at a young age. Yet, how often do we stop and proclaim the things we are thankful for? Especially in today’s world, where complaining and arguing have become a way of life?

It’s easy to let thoughts about everything going wrong to drown out the many things going right. But it only takes a moment to find something we’re thankful for, however small it may seem. A simple pause to thank God for that one thing in the midst of challenges can change our outlook from discouraged to hopeful.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blessings in my life. I confess that I haven’t stopped to give you thanks for the many ways you have blessed me. Instead, I’ve let problems take over my attention. Forgive me, Lord. Gratitude is a powerful weapon against discouragement and hopelessness. Strengthen me, Lord, to resist distractions and focus fully on your goodness.

In Your Name,

Amen