Have you ever literally counted your blessings? That’s what I did tonight.

I’ve been haunted most of the day with thoughts of the tragedy that struck a family in our neighborhood. It’s been a painful counterpoint to the sense of contentment I have felt over the previous few days–that sense of being in the right place at the right time. When senseless tragedy hits, it reminds us how close we all are, at any moment, to confronting unexpected suffering and loss.

When I came home tonight, though, and saw my family, I thought again how grateful I am for each one of them. I thought about the house I have over my head. The job I have, and the job I will be starting soon. And the list went on. I really have so much to be grateful for.

And I get it. There are no guarantees. No one deserves tragedies, and no one deserves blessings. That’s what makes it all the more important to be grateful for the gifts and blessings we have in front of us right now–to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate all the things that make this moment full of grace.