Looking at a sunrise, you just cannot help but feel grateful and full of awe.

As I sat at my second sunrise at Juno Beach, I began quietly listing all the things I was thankful for as I looked around. I was grateful for the sunrise itself, for the waves, for the birds, for the sand and the shells.

I was grateful for the soft sunbeams breaking through and the sunlight reflecting off the ocean.

I felt grateful for my job, because it allows me to witness moments like this. I am thankful for the family I work for, who have treated me like their own. I watched others enjoying the sunrise with their families, and that filled my heart even more.

I was grateful for the sounds around me, the birds flying by and the steady rhythm of the waves. I was even grateful for the simple things, the tripod, my phone, the pen and paper I used to write while taking it all in. The temperature, the sand under my feet, every detail felt like a gift.

I cannot fully explain it, but the more I listed, the more things flooded my mind to be thankful for. It reminded me how true it is that what we focus on grows. What we think about really does come about.

Thank You, Lord, for this moment and for the chance to enjoy all of Your creation. Thank You for helping me renew my mind, one grateful thought at a time.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8