Elena was 42 years old and lived a “normal” life: a stable job, her own home, two healthy children, and a partner. But she also lived with a routine that consumed her. She complained about the traffic, the tiredness, and the never-ending to-do list. She often said, “I don’t have time for myself,” “If only I had another life,” “Everything is so boring.”

One afternoon, his youngest son, Matías, came home with a school assignment: to interview someone who was a “silent hero.” He chose his neighbor, Don Ernesto, an elderly man who lived alone and always greeted everyone with a genuine smile.

During the interview, Matías discovered that Don Ernesto had lost his wife and only daughter in an accident many years ago. Since then, he lived alone, without complaints, without luxuries, but with a gratitude that overflowed in every word.

" Are you grateful ? —Don't you feel sad about being alone?" the boy asked .
—Sometimes, yes. But I'm grateful for every morning when I can see the sun, make my coffee, and take a walk. I've had beautiful moments, and the memories I have stay with me. There are those who have everything and still don't see it.

Matías wrote everything in his yellow notebook. He left it on the table and Elena, curious, read it.

I couldn't sleep that night.

The next day, she woke up earlier. She lovingly prepared breakfast. She hugged her children longer than usual. She thanked her husband for being there. And before leaving for work, she looked out the window and, apparently upon seeing Don Ernesto watering his plants with his usual peace, she was moved.

From that day on, whenever she felt overwhelmed by routine, she would open Matías's yellow notebook and reread the story. Because she understood that gratitude doesn't come when everything is perfect, but when you choose to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

“Father, thank you for everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18