We all have moments where being grateful can feel like a chore. At times, life can feel like we were somehow smacked back into 7th grade with a backpack full of heavy textbooks and no locker to unload them in, – with each step weighing us down and cramping our style.
But, what I’ve found is that there are ways to unload our heavy load, and one of my favorites is gratitude. No matter what we are facing, there is always something we can be grateful for in our lives, whether big or small – it’s all important.
So today, if you’re struggling to remember what you can be grateful for today, take a look over this list and pick one or two (or maybe 10) that you’re choosing to focus on today.
God’s Presence
(When you just need to know you’re not alone)
- God’s unconditional love (Romans 8:38-39)
- Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (John 3:16)
- The Holy Spirit as a helper and guide (John 14:26)
- God’s promises that never fail (Joshua 21:45)
- Ability to pray anytime, anywhere (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Mercy new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)
- God’s faithfulness even when we waver (2 Timothy 2:13)
- Peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7)
- Freedom from fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
- God’s perfect plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Assurance that He is with me always (Matthew 28:20)
God’s presence is like the warm wind on a summer night. It hugs you. It comforts you. It fills your soul in a way that only He can. Embrace it and meditate on His love.
Daily Blessings
(The “small” things that are actually big)
- Waking up to a new day
- Clean water to drink
- Warm showers
- Fresh air to breathe
- A safe place to sleep
- Healthy food on the table
- Eyes to see the beauty of creation
- Legs to walk and run
- Hands to work and create
- Laughter that bubbles up
- Birds singing
- Beauty of sunrise and sunset (Psalm 19:1)
- Cozy home
- Soft blanket on a cold night
- Access to the Bible
- Worship music
- Modern medicine
- Opportunities to learn and grow
It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life, forgetting to enjoy the smallest things. These tiny blessings may be as simple as taking a deep breath of cold crisp air or snuggling under your favorite blanket, but they are no less significant than the giant blessings. Each day and moment is worth loving and being grateful for.
Relationships and Community
(The people God placed around you for a reason)
- Loving family members
- Friendships that uplift (Proverbs 27:17)
- Mentors with wisdom
- Children’s laughter
- Elders’ stories
- Kindness from strangers
- Church community
- Prayer partners
- People who challenge growth
- Opportunities to forgive
- Teachers who planted truth
- Ability to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4)
- Shared meals
- Unexpected kindness
- Memories of those who loved us
You may have 100 people who surround and support you, or maybe (like me) you only have a handful, or maybe you only have one. The quantity is of no importance, but rather the quality of those who surround you.
In my grief, the smallest act of kindness – a gentle knock on my car window followed by a God-given hug in my time of need – left a lasting impact on me. I may not know this strangers name, but I will never forget his face or the way he lifted me from the grips of despair.
So, no matter how many people you have around you, God will always make sure you have the right ones.
Growth Through Trials
(The hard roads that lead to beautiful places)
- Lessons learned from failure (James 1:2-4)
- Strength built in storms
- Compassion after suffering
- Patience from waiting
- Humility from brokenness
- Trust through uncertainty
- Hope when all else fails (Romans 5:3-5)
- Healing after heartbreak (Psalm 147:3)
- Beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3)
- Freedom from past mistakes
- Joy restored after sorrow (Psalm 30:5)
- Testimony to encourage others
- Endurance from long battles (Romans 5:3-4)
Let’s be honest. No one wants to go through trouble. Yet, without trials and difficulty, I would not be sitting here writing this post. Out of my own grief and the loss of my husband and brother, Outnumbered by Chaos was born.
And while, I would naturally rather have them here I am grateful for this path that God has brought me to because I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I am here for a purpose.
So instead of scoffing at the trials and difficulties, let’s endure – thanking God for His mighty work and wisdom in our lives.
Joyful Moments
(Tiny sparks of joy gifted straight from heaven)
- Rain on the roof
- Fresh flowers blooming
- Crisp autumn air
- Quiet mornings with coffee and Scripture
- Road trips with worship music
- Singing loudly
- Dancing in the kitchen
- Getting lost in a good book
- Seeing prayers answered
- Belly laughter
- Smell of fresh-baked bread
- Beauty in ordinary days
- Reminders of God’s perfect timing
- New starts each morning
Gratitude isn’t just about celebrating the big things that happen, it’s about living and enjoying the tiny things too. Life is made up of moments, and those tiny ones are what makes life the most enjoyable.
Kingdom Purpose
(Why we’re really here)
- Spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10)
- Being chosen for a divine purpose (1 Peter 2:9)
- Opportunities to share the Gospel (Mark 16:15)
- Identity as a child of God (Galatians 4:7)
- Hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2)
I came across a quote today that reminded me why we are really here. While, I’m sure there are a thousand different answers to the question, “Why are we here?”, the biggest truth is this…
We are here for a relationship. For friendship. For love. And above all else, to know our Creator and love His creation. Everything else is just icing on the cake of life.
Final Thoughts
Being grateful doesn’t have to be some grand gesture or even an hour long journaling sesh. All you need is one simple thought that says, “Today, I’m grateful for….”. That’s all it takes to remind ourselves that life is worth living.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
Hold onto gratitude. It leads your heart back to hope.
