With a Grateful Heart

I am Odunola, blessed and grateful.

Don Moen’s song, Thank You Lord, has been living rent free in my head in the last couple of days. As it is I should be able to reel through the lyrics as I key into the moment and count the many reasons why I need to say, Thank You Lord.

Reflecting on the last 60 years of my life fills my heart with immense gratitude. I find myself resonating with the lyrics of the song, "I come before You today, and there’s just one thing that I want to say — Thank You, Lord." Indeed, that is the expression of my spirit, and my spirit is filled with gratitude for Your unwavering mercy that never abandoned me, for Your grace that continually supported me in my moments of weakness, and for Your love that embraced me even when I felt unworthy.

As I look back on the past years, I feel a deep sense of humility in recognising the numerous ways God has demonstrated His faithfulness, love, and truth. He has been my unwavering support, my safe haven, my melody. I appreciate His generosity and the blessing of existence.

I am grateful, Lord, for the gift of each new day, for the breath in my lungs and the strength in my body. Your unwavering support has seen me through times of joy and sorrow, across peaks and troughs, and I remain steadfast because of Your constant love. Baba, You have always been my source of support and safety. Your guidance has illuminated my way, even in moments of uncertainty. You have revealed pathways I was unaware of and closed off those that could have brought danger.

Odunola expresses her gratitude for the individuals You have placed along her path: family, friends, mentors, and even strangers, each one a vessel of Your grace and kindness in her journey. You have enveloped me with loved ones and communities that embody Your goodness and kindness. Thank You for the relationships that have enriched my life and for the lessons gained from those that challenged me.

Thank You for the growth; spiritual, emotional, and even the physical strength to witness these years. In every challenge, You shaped me into something better. In every victory, You have shown me Your grace. I understand now that everything served a purpose in Your divine plan.

Reflecting on the past, I perceive a rich tapestry of grace, intricately woven with strands of divine favour, unwavering love, and infinite opportunities for redemption. I recognise how You’ve formed me, influenced me, and supported me along the way. Indeed, I can sincerely express, “With a grateful heart, with a song of praise, with an outstretched arm... I will bless Your name.”

As I stand at the beginning of a new chapter, I express my gratitude: Thank You, Lord. I am grateful not only for Your actions but also for your essence. Loyal. Virtuous. Always there. Lord, I am grateful for the joy of salvation and for the privilege of being called Your own. Your grace has indeed been more than enough. Your compassion has been renewed with each dawn. Your presence has been truly cherished, particularly in times when words fell short, and tears conveyed more than any prayer could.

Today, I lift my hands in surrender and my voice in gratitude, Lord. Thank You for 60 years of life. I am grateful for purpose and even more for Your unwavering promises. I am grateful for Your presence as my God, my Saviour, and my Friend. May the remainder of my days resonate with this melody of gratitude, and may my life serve as a testament to Your goodness.

In the words of Don Moen, “I come before you today and there’s just one thing that I want to say: Thank You Lord. For all you’ve given to me, for all the blessings that I cannot see: Thank You Lord. For all You’ve done in my life: You took my darkness and gave me your light: Thank You Lord. You took my sin and my shame, You took my sickness and heal all my pain: Thank you lord.”

With a grateful heart,

With a song of praise

With an outstretched arm,

I will bless your name

Thank You Lord

I just want to Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord.