Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In the busyness and demands of our daily lives, we often take for granted the briefest of interactions we have and every breath we take. The practice of gratitude invites us to be reflectively aware of the sacredness of even the smallest and seemingly insignificant moments. The practice of gratitude invites us to pause and identify where we have experienced our joys, peace, love, and challenges. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack and what went wrong to abundance and positivity, which can make a difference in our day and well-being. Gratitude reminds us that even amidst suffering, there are threads of hope, kindness, and support woven into the fabric of our experiences. Gratitude is a starting point that grounds us in the present moment so we can see God in all things, including the moments that make us uneasy. Gratitude is a daily choice that requires intentionality.
A compliment, a smile from a stranger, a moment of laughter, the warmth of friendship, a thoughtful note, a leisurely walk, a shared meal, an invitation for coffee, all moments we are reminded of God’s presence. Gratitude is not just a polite response; it is a transformative action rooted in our relationship with God, self, and others. In cultivating a daily practice of gratitude, we are reminded to find beauty in our existence and the right of others to exist as they are and as they have been formed.
Suppose we consider our friends, colleagues, and strangers passing by and, just for a few minutes, think about what they must have gone through to arrive at that very moment of their lives; we would find ourselves being grateful for the encounter of the spirit we have had with them. On that same thread of thought, just for a moment, we could think about where each ingredient of our meal may have come from, and all the hands involved in bringing that meal from farm to table; we would find ourselves being grateful for the source of our nourishment. We sometimes forget that thanksgiving is perpetual and not just a day.
It is so easy to forget to give thanks for the gift of a new day and the opportunity to live free. It is easy to forget to reach out to those we love and those who might need to know they are loved to thank them for all the moments they brought us closer to God, even if they were not aware they were doing so.
Today, I am grateful for you. My friends, what are you thankful for this day?
May we always recognize God’s mercy and blessings every moment of every day. Amen.
Recommended reading: Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:6-7, and 2 Corinthians 9:11
