The Three Words That Changed My Day (and My Mind)

Image by YasDO from Pixabay

I recently received email notification of something I’d written on my Penzu account 5 years ago. I was curious.

So, I signed in to my Penzu. What I discovered was a poem I’d written at that time.

“Thank You, Jesus,” is on my lips

As I walk throughout my day

My heart so full of gratitude

That’s all I want to say.

It’s simple. But real. I might be sweeping the kitchen or driving to the store, and that little phrase still bubbles up. And it’s not because everything’s perfect — it’s because I’ve started paying more attention to the little things…that are actually big things.

You’ve surrounded me with favor

Freely giving me Your love

My life’s increasing for the good

Your grace my treasure trove

I used to overlook stuff — always chasing the next answer, next paycheck, next “breakthrough.” But now, I’m seeing how much good is already here. God just keeps showing up — not because I earned it, but because that’s who He is. It’s like finding out you’ve been sitting on a treasure chest the whole time.

One time I begged for everything

So void of gratitude

My lack was all that I could see

Thanksgiving did allude

Yep. I remember that season. I was in a place where it felt like everything was running out — time, money, peace. I prayed like I was in a courtroom, making my case to God. But I never thanked Him. Honestly, I didn’t feel like there was anything to thank Him for. I just saw what I didn’t have.

But since I changed the manner

In which my heart does speak

Not once but throughout all the day

The stresses surely flee

That’s when things started to shift. I didn’t get a raise or win the lottery — I just stopped talking like everything was going wrong. I started saying “thank you” more, even when it didn’t feel like much was happening. It didn’t fix everything, but it made the stress stop barking at me all day long. That’s was a big thing.

My Jesus is my Savior

My provider and my solution

Not only in the age to come

Today He’s my restoration

I think that’s what really did it. I started trusting Him with today…this moment. Like, right now. You see, He’s not just my rescue plan for later — He’s the one keeping me sane today.

Bottom Line?

That tiny shift — from begging to thanking — changed everything.

I still have problems. Life still throws curveballs. But now I see the grace tucked into all of it. And “Thank You, Jesus” has become more than a phrase — it’s how I breathe.

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough” — Meister Eckhart

© Gary L Ellis