“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Earlier this week, I was headed to Orlando for a conference. Now, if you know me, you know that I have a history of being an overpacker. I really tried hard this time to fit everything I needed into a carry-on bag. I was feeling proud of myself too, until the moment I zipped it up and the bag bursted open.

Right before my Uber was set to arrive.

You already know how they do. They give you five minutes, and if you’re not outside, they leave and charge you anyway. So here I am with toiletries in my hand, my suitcase wide open, and the clock ticking. At first, I was frustrated and thought, “Lord, really? This is not the time.”

But in that moment, I felt a shift. I decided to change my perspective. Instead of being upset, I realized what a blessing it was that the bag burst open at home and not at the airport. Can you imagine how embarrassing and stressful that would’ve been if all my stuff went flying through TSA? God had allowed that little inconvenience in a safe place.

That’s when it hit me. Sometimes life feels like that open bag. Everything you packed carefully comes spilling out, and your first reaction is frustration. You want to fix it fast and move on. But when you slow down and look again, you might realize that even the mess has a hidden blessing. Maybe God is protecting you from something you can’t see yet. Maybe He’s preparing you for a smoother journey ahead.

November is the month we all talk about gratitude, but real gratitude is more than saying thank you for the things that are easy to appreciate. It’s about giving thanks in everything. Not just when life feels organized and pretty, but also when it’s bursting open at the seams.

Because the truth is, God’s hand is in it all. The good, the frustrating, the inconvenient, the unexpected. Sometimes what feels like a setback is actually His protection or His preparation.

So today, take a moment to thank Him not only for what’s going right, but also for what didn’t go the way you planned. There just might be a blessing hidden inside that bursting bag.

Your Real Estate Bestie,