I love bedtime with my kids. Some nights are a little more chaotic than others, but the older they get, the more I cherish those few quiet minutes just before they drift off to sleep.
Last night, as I was laying with Emma, we talked about Thanksgiving dinner and how we’d be hosting family for the first time ever. Being a military family means we’ve spent more holidays away from home than with loved ones, so the excitement this year feels extra sweet. While we were chatting, Emma suddenly asked, “What is Thanksgiving?”
Her question caught me off guard, because we’ve talked before about Thanksgiving being a day of gratitude. But it made me pause—and gave me the sweetest chance to revisit its meaning with her.
Thanksgiving is Expressing Gratitude
I explained the story of the first Thanksgiving and how it has become a day of giving thanks in America. In our home, we try to center the day around thankfulness to God—for His provision, His grace, and His mercies, especially over the past year.
We Are Commanded to Remember
Scripture is full of reminders to look back on what God has done. Remembering His faithfulness strengthens our hope for what He will continue to do.
And wouldn’t you know it—my morning devotional highlighted Psalm 9:1:
“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.”
The psalmist retold God’s faithfulness to help the Israelites remember His goodness, even in difficult times. I’m always amazed at how quickly the Israelites forgot God’s blessings—despite being rescued from Egypt and led to the Promised Land.
But, if we’re honest… we’re not so different.
We grumble when we hit the third red light in a row.
We huff in the checkout line with only one register open during the Thanksgiving rush.
We sulk when we’re passed over for the promotion we wanted.
You know the feeling.
Choosing Gratitude in the Moment
When you find yourself in one of those moments, I want to encourage you to pause. Take a breath. Look around and find one thing—just one—to thank God for.
Thank Him for the warm car you’re sitting in.
Thank Him that you have the means to buy groceries or medicine.
Thank Him for His perfect timing in your professional life, even when you can’t see it.
If you build this habit, you will begin to see the results.
Gratitude Changes Your Health
Believe it or not, the benefits of gratitude go far beyond spiritual growth.
Harvard Health reports that gratitude can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support healthier sleep patterns. People who keep gratitude journals often sleep longer, rest better, and fall asleep more easily.
Why?
Because gratitude shifts the brain away from rumination and intrusive thoughts. Anxiety and gratitude cannot exist in the mind at the same time—they sit on opposite ends of the neurological spectrum.
When we express gratitude, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin—our “feel better” chemicals. Gratitude literally lifts the mood.
God wired us this way on purpose.
Practicing Gratitude Daily
Here are simple ways to weave gratitude into everyday life:
- Prayer. Begin and end your prayers with thanksgiving—morning, evening, or anytime.
- Gratitude journal. Write a few things each day or weekly. Revisit it on tough days.
- Mindful reflection. Savor positive moments as they happen and share them with others.
- Bookend your day. Start and end each day with intentional gratitude.
- Visual reminders. Use sticky notes, photos, or a gratitude jar to prompt thankfulness.
The Goodness of God
As I type this, the song “Goodness of God” is playing in the back of my mind, and the lyrics feel so fitting for this season. May they be a reminder—whether you’re celebrating with family by blood or by choice—that God’s goodness has held you every single day.
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.
This Thanksgiving, let your gratitude be a testimony.
Let it soften hearts.
Let it remind those around you of His unending goodness.
Be blessed,
Grateful to you for your generous spirit sharing your faith and heart so freely with this hungry world… God BLESS you!
I’m the blessed one here! Thank you, Katherine. Miss you!