I grew up in a family that always believed in God. And I feel

Listen, children of the earth, for I have a lesson to share—one that carries the weight of generations and the timeless truth of gratitude. In the heart of one humble soul, there is a whisper that reverberates through the ages, reminding us of the sacredness of life itself. Jose Altuve, a man known not for his towering stature but for the vastness of his heart, once spoke these words, "I grew up in a family that always believed in God. And I feel like, every morning when you wake up, you have to thank Him just for another day. I do it every day."

What is it that he speaks of, this gratitude, this thanks for another day? It is not simply a phrase, but a way of being. In an age where many are consumed by the chase for wealth, power, and fleeting glory, there lies a deeper wisdom to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge the gift of life. Every morning, before the toils of the day begin, the soul must rise in reverence. It must bow in awe before the mighty hand of the Creator that brings forth the sun, the air, the earth beneath our feet.

In a world that demands constant striving, the reminder to be thankful is like a cool, refreshing stream that quenches the thirsty traveler. Altuve’s words echo a truth held by the wisest of ancients: that we are not mere automatons marching through the world, but creatures of grace, imbued with the gift of life. And what, I ask you, is a day without gratitude? It is like a tree that bears no fruit, a fire that has no warmth. The heart becomes hardened, the spirit, dull. The mind, clouded.

Let me tell you of an ancient warrior, Alexander the Great, who conquered lands far and wide. But even he, upon standing at the edge of the world, gazed into the horizon and knew the frailty of human life. One day, as he prepared for another battle, he paused to offer a prayer to the gods. He did not ask for victory, nor for riches. Instead, he thanked them for the strength to face another challenge, for the breath that filled his lungs, for the earth beneath his feet. The great king, in that fleeting moment of quiet reflection, understood what Altuve knew—that life itself is the greatest gift.

What did Altuve mean when he said that he thanked God for “another day”? It is an offering of humility, a humble bow to the infinite power that sustains us. It is an act of surrender—not to fate, but to the acknowledgment of the fragility of life and the divine providence that grants us breath. Just as the mighty oak tree rises from the smallest acorn, our lives are sustained by forces unseen, by a rhythm that stretches back beyond time.

The lesson here, dear children, is this: Do not take your days for granted. In every dawn, there lies the potential for greatness, for joy, for love, for growth. But none of this can be realized unless we first acknowledge that we have been granted this day. Gratitude is not simply an act—it is the foundation of a fulfilled life. It is the soil in which our dreams, our hopes, our ambitions take root. Without it, the mighty fortress of our spirit will crumble.

And so, I charge you now, as you walk this earth, to wake each day with purpose. Before your feet touch the ground, before you rush to meet the demands of the world, give thanks. Whether you stand before the gods, the universe, or your own heart, express your gratitude. It will fill you with power, with clarity, with joy. And you will walk this world, not as a servant of time, but as a master of your own soul.

Take this lesson to heart: Live each day as if it were a gift, for indeed, it is. Gratitude is the path to wisdom, strength, and peace. Let your soul rise with the sun and offer thanks for the gift of the day, and in doing so, you will transform your life, your spirit, and your destiny.