The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians: "Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-20)

There is a Swedish proverb: those who wish to sing always find a song.

I have known people like that. My friend Kenny White was one of them — always a song on his lips, schooled in old gospel music, with a voice to match. A senior pastor I served with had a beautiful bass voice that could often be heard rolling down the hallway of the church office. And I've known others who couldn't carry a tune to save their lives but would add their voices joyfully anyway, because the music in them simply had to come out.

Those who wish to sing always find a song.

But here is what strikes me: we could say the same thing about gratitude. Those who wish to give thanks always find a way. Paul wrote many of his letters from prison — and yet gratitude seeps out of every line. And even today, most of us know people who face real adversity with remarkable resilience. Almost without exception, they are people who keep giving, keep serving, keep showing up for others even in the midst of their own suffering. Their lives seem to sing — in spite of everything.

Gratitude, it turns out, is less about circumstances and more about intention. It is a choice made quietly, every day, to look for the song.

May you find it today — whether you sing out loud or only in your heart.

Prayer: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty — heaven and earth are full of your glory. We praise you, loving God, for the eternal song of love that ever surrounds us. Give us ears to hear its melody and open hearts to join the chorus. And in whatever we are facing today, help us to live lives that make music — quietly, gratefully, always giving you thanks and praise. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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