While driving my son to school, I hit a curb and destroyed my right back tire. I drove on it (oops) a half mile until I got to the school. I walked my son inside and looked at the damage. Even I, who has limited vehicle knowledge, knew there was no way I was driving this car until I got the spare on. I called my husband close to a tearful panic. I’ve never changed a spare. He couldn’t help because his car was also in the shop for a flat tire. So, because this school is also where I used to work, I had a few friends inside. I quickly texted one and he came right out to help me. He not only put the spare on but drove to his home to get the correct sized tool to lower the spare down. By the time he was done, I was no longer panicking, instead I was focused on the things I was thankful for: I was in a safe parking lot and not on the side of the road, I had a reliable and available friend who could help, and my kids were not throwing tantrums in the hour it took to take care of the spare.

I share this story not only to caution you against hitting curbs, but also to mimic the third verse of the song. It is easy to praise God when things are going well- when you are enjoying the blessings God has given (vs. 5). But what about when you are aging, sick or injured? What about when you are in an inconvenient or dangerous situation? What are your 10,000 reasons to praise God even in the middle of a trying circumstance?