Holy Ground on the Stairwell

Thursday, January 29th
Holy Ground on the Stairwell
By: Sheila Sonon

I was scrolling through TikTok today—just mindlessly, and I came across a video that stopped me cold. It was a heavyset man climbing a long flight of stairs to his apartment. No music. No filters. Just real life. And with every step, he was praying out loud.

“Thank You, Heavenly Father, for this step.”

I watched the whole thing. He was clearly struggling, out of breath, moving slowly. But instead of complaining, he kept thanking God—step by step. When he finally reached the top, he thanked God for making it. Then he pulled out his keys and thanked God for having a home. He opened the door and thanked God for the groceries in his arms. Even in his exhaustion, he said, “Glory be to the Father,” and promised God he’d try to do better with his eating.

And I just sat there, convicted.

Because how often do I rush past the small things? How often do I complain about what’s hard instead of thanking God that I’m still standing, still moving, still breathing? That man reminded me that gratitude isn’t about pretending life is easy—it’s about recognizing God in the middle of the struggle.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Not for all circumstances—but in them.

Game changer!

Maybe today you’re not thankful for the whole staircase. Maybe you’re just thankful you took one step. Are you tired, overwhelmed, or out of breath in your own way? That’s okay. God sees it. He hears the quiet prayers we don’t even realize we’re praying.

Sometimes faith looks like nothing more than whispering, “Thank You, God, for this step,” and trusting Him for the next one.