Thanksgiving Week is the perfect time to reflect on the many blessings God has poured into our lives. While it’s easy to feel thankful for the big things—family, health, a warm home—it’s often the small, everyday blessings that we overlook. Yet, these little moments, so easily missed, often carry the greatest reminders of God’s love and provision.
Gratitude Starts with Perspective
Being thankful begins with shifting your perspective. Instead of waiting for something extraordinary to spark gratitude, start noticing the ordinary blessings that make life beautiful. The laughter of a loved one, the warmth of the sun on a cold day, or even the unexpected kindness of a stranger—these moments are evidence of God’s hand at work.
In James 1:17, we’re reminded, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” This means that even the smallest joys, the simplest comforts, are blessings directly from God. Recognizing them requires us to slow down, look closely, and open our hearts to His presence in our everyday lives.
Counting Blessings Big and Small
The big blessings are often easier to spot—family gatherings around the Thanksgiving table, a new job, or the resolution of a tough situation. But what about the smaller blessings that don’t grab our attention?
Here are a few examples of everyday blessings we can thank God for:
- The Gift of Creation: A morning bird song or a colorful sunset can remind us of God’s creativity and care.
- Provision in Small Things: A cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, or the food in your pantry are evidence of His provision.
- Moments of Connection: A smile from a friend, a hug from your child, or an encouraging text can be God’s way of showing you His love.
- Answered Prayers: They might not always look how we imagined, but God’s answers often come quietly, subtly shaping our lives for good.
When you focus on these small blessings, you’ll find they add up to a life overflowing with evidence of God’s goodness.
Gratitude Is a Heart Posture
Being thankful is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a posture of the heart—a daily choice to focus on God’s goodness, even when life feels challenging. This kind of gratitude comes from recognizing that everything we have and everything we are comes from Him.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul reminds us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice he didn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances, but in them. Gratitude isn’t about denying hardship; it’s about trusting that God is with us and working all things for our good, even in difficult seasons.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Thankfulness
If you want to grow in gratitude, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big—small blessings are just as meaningful.
- Pray with Thanksgiving: Begin your prayers with gratitude. Thank God for who He is and what He’s done before bringing your requests.
- Thank Someone Else: Expressing gratitude to others helps you see the ways God works through people in your life. Write a note, make a call, or simply say “thank you.”
- Pause and Notice: Take a few moments each day to look for blessings you might have missed. It could be as simple as the sound of rain or the joy of a good meal.
Living a Life of Gratitude
Thankfulness is transformative. It draws us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given. It helps us see that every blessing, big or small, is a gift from our loving Father.
This Thanksgiving Week, take time to pause, reflect, and thank God for all He’s done. Look for His blessings in the everyday moments and celebrate the goodness that surrounds you. As you practice gratitude, you’ll find that your heart grows fuller, your faith grows deeper, and your life becomes a reflection of God’s abundant grace.
Let’s give thanks together:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your countless blessings. Help us to see the big and small gifts You provide each day. Teach us to live with grateful hearts and to recognize Your goodness in every moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.