Gratefulness Running Deep

Gratefulness Running Deep

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

Let me start by saying this: I wasn’t always this grounded. Back in the day, when life hit me with one of those gut-punch moments, I’d sit there like, “Why me, though?” It felt like the Creator had me on the struggle bus, and I didn’t even have exact change to get off. But now? Baby, let me tell you I’ve learned. These days, no matter how wild it gets, I can’t help but be grateful. Even when life feels like one big pot of gumbo, with all kinds of chaos bubbling up, I know there’s something good cooking underneath.

Growing up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans taught me a thing or two about resilience. It’s a place where you learn to dance in the rain because, let’s face it, the storms aren’t going anywhere. And in my life, those storms came plenty. But the Creator? Oh, the Creator was the one holding the umbrella, even when I thought I was standing in the downpour alone.

Now, I won’t sit here and act like I always had this level of faith. No, ma’am. There were times when life felt like a second line without the music just noise, confusion, and a whole lot of sweating for no reason. People around me would say, “Kateb, it’s time to pack it up. This ain’t working.” And trust me, my ego, my fears, and my empty wallet were all in agreement. But something deep inside me the part that knows the Creator better than my stubborn self ever could kept saying, “Hold on, baby. It’s not over yet.”

And let me tell you, that voice was right.

I’ve come to trust the Creator in a way that doesn’t even make sense to most people. Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to me either. But here’s what I know: the Creator doesn’t play dice with your life. Even when I’m out here looking at my situation like, “This don’t add up,” the Creator is behind the scenes, doing math I ain’t qualified to understand.

Take those unseen blessings, for example. Do you know how many disasters I’ve probably sidestepped without even realizing it? Like that time I was supposed to meet someone at a café, but I got stuck in traffic. Turns out, that café had a gas leak. Coincidence? Naw, baby, that’s divine choreography. Or the moments when I thought I needed something so badly be it a person, a job, or an opportunity only to later realize that what I was chasing would’ve been more trouble than it was worth.

Down here in the 7th Ward, we have a saying: “Sometimes you gotta let the red beans burn before you know how hot the stove is.” It means that sometimes, you don’t learn the lesson until after you’ve made the mistake. And trust me, I’ve burned a lot of beans in my time. But every misstep, every wrong turn, was part of the Creator’s plan to get me where I needed to be.

Now, don’t get me wrong I’ve had my fair share of “Come on, now, Lord!” moments. Like that time I was flat broke, my car was making noises that sounded like a second line band warming up, and I had three job applications out with zero callbacks. But even then, I held on. Why? Because I’ve seen what happens when you trust. The Creator always comes through maybe not when you want, but always right on time.

And let’s talk about the little things. These days, I find myself giving thanks for the smallest blessings. The kind of stuff we usually overlook. Like that perfect breeze on a hot day or the way my favorite jazz track hits just right when I need it most. Those are the Creator’s love notes, little reminders that I’m seen, I’m loved, and I’m cared for.

But it’s not just the small stuff. Oh no, I’m also grateful for the big miracles and even the gut-wrenching lessons wrapped up in hard times. You know how they say, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” Well, sometimes it feels like life is out here handing me weightlifting sessions for my soul. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every struggle has brought me closer to understanding just how much the Creator loves me.

Here’s the thing about faith it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about knowing, deep down, that even when the gumbo of life feels like it’s about to boil over, the Creator’s in the kitchen, making sure it’s just right. And my connection with the Creator and the universe? Oh, it’s got weight. Heavyweight. We’re talking championship-level trust here.

To anyone out there feeling like the world’s got you on the ropes, listen up. Don’t quit. Don’t let the voices around you or even your own doubts convince you to give up. You might not see it now, but the Creator is working things out for you in ways you can’t even imagine. Trust me on this.

So, yeah, my life might look like one of those over-the-top dramas sometimes a blockbuster, if you will but it’s also a testimony. A testimony of gratefulness, trust, and unwavering faith. And if there’s one thing I hope you take from my story, it’s this: Gratitude changes the game.

Start small. Look around. Find one thing to be thankful for today. Maybe it’s the way your favorite coffee hits just right or the fact that someone smiled at you on the street. Whatever it is, let that gratitude flow. Because once you start, it’s like a flood you’ll see blessings everywhere.

And when life feels like it’s too much? Just remember, the Creator’s got you. Always. You might not see the full picture yet, but trust me, it’s a masterpiece in the making.