An internet sensation once was a little girl whose thankfulness, rather than her exceptional talent, won over the hearts of many. A young YouTuber named Mary Grace Escober celebrated the addition of two new subscribers with a small cupcake and matchsticks for candles. Escober is nine years old. Mary Grace’s pure wisdom of thankfulness struck a chord with millions of internet users and garnered her more than 200,000 subscribers, even though it could seem ridiculous to some.

Counting our blessings, not our failures, is something we can learn from Mary Grace’s life, and there are innumerable reasons to rejoice in even the most minor victories. Many new and unexpected difficulties have arisen as a result of the pandemic and other life’s challenges. People are expected to stay indoors. At most, one household member may be sent shopping for essentials. Many have complained, but it is okay when you get to brass tacks. Amid the worldwide health crisis, many have turned back to prayer, families have gotten back together, younger generations have stayed at home, fruit juice has become more popular, vices have declined, the love of helping others has grown, pollution has decreased, walking to get necessities has become the preferred mode of transportation, and most importantly, everyone has come to appreciate life and the importance of good health.

Hopefully, now that COVID-19 left us, it will not wipe out the life lessons we all gained from it. Can we take a page from Grace’s story and be grateful that we are alive and well despite everything happening in the world? Many have died from causes unrelated to the epidemic, including physical and mental illnesses, joblessness, and other societal stigmas. So, let us all rejoice that we get another day of life by helping those in need, praying, smiling, and being happy and joyous.

            Let’s have a grateful heart that always rejoices for small and big wins, losses turned to lessons and challenges turned to positive changes.