Gratitude in Unlikely Places: Watermelon, Detergent, and Resilience”

As we glide into day 10 of Ramadan, I find myself reflecting on the little things that make fasting not just bearable but beautifully fulfilling. And yes, today’s gratitude list includes watermelon, detergent, and my resilient self  a trio I never thought would share the same spotlight. But here we are! So grab a glass of water (or better yet, a slice of watermelon if you’re reading this after Iftar) and let’s dive into today’s reflections.

1. Watermelon: Nature’s Way of Saying ‘Stay Cool, Sis!’ 🍉

So, here’s a little backstory. This morning, I switched up my workout routine  don’t ask what result I’m aiming for, just know it involves a lot of sweat and questionable life choices. By the time I got back, the sun was in full roast mode, and AEDC, in their usual fashion, decided we didn’t need electricity. No fan, no AC, just me, my dehydrated self, and a silent prayer for rain.

In that moment, all I could think of was watermelon  sweet, juicy, life-saving watermelon. The memory of Saturday flashed by, when I had come back from a hike, starving but too tired to make actual food. I basically inhaled slices of watermelon like they were a five-course meal. Honestly, who needs jollof when you have nature’s hydrating hero?

With every bite, it felt like Allah was saying, “I got you, sis!” And really, He does. The way watermelon is 92% water and 8% pure joy makes it the perfect remedy for long, thirsty hours of fasting. It’s almost poetic how it’s in season right now. Alhamdulillah for that divine timing!

2. Detergent: Fighting Stains and Saving the Day, One Bubble at a Time

Now, let’s talk about detergent  the unsung hero of the household. There’s something profoundly satisfying about watching detergent bubbles do their thing. It’s like a mini-soap opera where stains are the villains, and detergent is the hero with a cape and a fresh lemon scent.

Between sweaty workout clothes and prayer mats that see a lot of action during Ramadan, detergent has been putting in overtime. Can we take a moment to appreciate the genius who invented it? I hope they’re chilling in Jannah’s VIP lounge, surrounded by immaculate white robes and heavenly lavender scents.

But beyond just clothes, detergent feels like a metaphor for Ramadan itself. Just as detergent cleanses fabric, Ramadan cleanses our souls  washing away the stains of impatience, envy, and all the other spots we collect along the way. It reminds me of this verse:

“Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)

Alhamdulillah for both the physical and spiritual cleansing!

3. Resilience: My Built-in Survival Kit

If resilience had a theme song, it would probably be that Destiny’s Child classic: “I’m a survivor!” Honestly, sometimes I surprise myself with how I manage to bounce back from life’s plot twists. This morning’s workout alone felt like a full-season plot with betrayal (by my alarm clock), heartbreak (from the squats), and redemption (thanks to watermelon).

Looking back, I can see how Allah has been strengthening my resilience muscle over the years, one test at a time. Every delay, every disappointment, and every detour has been a workout session designed to build my spiritual endurance. So here I am, spiritually swole and grateful for every challenge that didn’t break me.

There’s a hadith that beautifully sums this up:

"Wondrous is the affair of the believer, for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and there is good for him; and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and there is good for him.” (Sahih Muslim)

Alhamdulillah for the strength to keep going!

Gratitude: The Glue Holding It All Together

The common thread between watermelon, detergent, and resilience is gratitude. Being grateful transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. It turns a slice of watermelon into a divine refreshment, detergent into a tool of purity, and resilience into a badge of honor.

I’m learning that gratitude isn’t just about saying “Alhamdulillah” when things go right but also when they don’t. It’s about recognizing that every situation sweet or bitter carries a hidden blessing. Sometimes, that blessing is obvious, like quenching your thirst with watermelon. Other times, it’s a bit more subtle, like learning patience in traffic or appreciating the struggle that built your resilience.

As Allah reminds us:

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]." (Quran 14:7)

That’s the promise I hold onto, especially when AEDC decides to test my patience.

A Little Dua for the Road

As I wrap up today’s gratitude reflection, here’s a little dua for us all:

Ya Allah, grant us hearts that are always grateful, tongues that constantly praise You, and resilience that never wavers. Make us among those who see Your blessings in everything, big or small. Aameen.

What About You?

Alright, your turn! What’s one unlikely thing you’re grateful for this Ramadan? Drop it in the comments I can’t be the only one thankful for detergent! Let’s keep the gratitude chain going and inspire each other to count our blessings, one bubble and one watermelon slice at a time.

Alhamdulillah for everything.