As you read this, it's likely that your Thanksgiving décor is already packed away, the last load of dishes has been run, and your stomach—and heart—are both full. All seems well, right? But for me, the Lord laid something on my heart the Monday of Thanksgiving week. I found myself reflecting not just on the holiday itself, but on the season leading up to it and the deeper feelings of thankfulness—or, more honestly, the lack of it—that had settled in my heart.
Last week, I’m sure things were much more chaotic than they are now. The food prep, the husbands home from work, and of course the sheer excitement (and exhaustion) of toddlers off their normal routines. This year, though, is different. I have my own house, another toddler to chase after, and a whole host of new responsibilities. There are so many blessings to be thankful for, yet if I have to fight one more pie crust that won’t cooperate, or survive one more nap-less day with my toddlers, I might just lose it.
In the past, the season of Thanksgiving was a time of natural reflection, a time to pause and count my blessings. But as I’ve grown older—and as life’s responsibilities have multiplied—I find myself struggling to just feel thankful again.
The Struggle of Gratitude in the Chaos
As I sat in the quiet after the rush of Thanksgiving preparations, the thought hit me: Is it possible to be truly thankful when you're overwhelmed? Can you experience the depth of gratitude when you feel like your to-do list is always longer than the time you have to tackle it?
The answer, I believe, is yes—but it's not always easy.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Notice that Paul doesn’t say "give thanks for all circumstances," but "give thanks in all circumstances." It’s a subtle but powerful distinction. Gratitude isn't about pretending everything is perfect or that you’re not overwhelmed by the demands of life. It’s about finding moments to offer thanks even in the chaos. Even in the days when the pie crusts won’t cooperate and your toddlers refuse to nap.
A Shift in Perspective
This Thanksgiving, as I struggled to hold onto the joy of the season, I was reminded that thankfulness isn’t always about perfection; it’s about perspective. It’s about acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness in every situation, even when the situation doesn’t look the way I imagined it would.
In Psalm 107:1, the psalmist calls us to:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Even when life feels overwhelming, God’s goodness endures. Even when the pie crusts flop, or the toddlers throw tantrums, or the endless to-do lists seem impossible, we can still give thanks for His enduring love. His faithfulness doesn’t change based on how tidy our homes are or how well we meet our expectations.
The Power of Small Grateful Moments
This Thanksgiving, instead of waiting for everything to go perfectly in order to be thankful, I made a decision to embrace the small moments of gratitude. I thanked God for the sound of my kids’ laughter—even when it was followed by a sibling squabble. I thanked God for the provision of a meal, even if some of the dishes didn’t turn out as planned. I thanked God for the opportunity to serve my family, even when my energy felt drained.
Colossians 3:17 reminds us:
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Even the mundane, everyday tasks are opportunities to give thanks. Whether it’s cooking a meal, folding laundry, or simply caring for my children, I can offer all of it up to God in gratitude for the blessings He has provided.
A Thankful Heart, Even in the Struggle
As I reflect on the challenges of this season, I realize that it’s in the struggle where true thankfulness is often found. Gratitude doesn’t come from having a perfect holiday or a perfectly organized home. It comes from choosing to see God’s presence, His goodness, and His grace in every moment, even the chaotic ones.
The truth is, thankfulness isn’t a feeling that can be summoned on command—it’s a choice. A choice to shift our focus from what’s going wrong to what God is doing right. -A choice to find peace and joy in the midst of the mess, because we know that no matter how chaotic life may feel, God is with us.
As we move away from the Thanksgiving holiday and into the rest of the year, let’s remember that gratitude isn’t just for one day. It’s a posture of the heart, a continuous choice to give thanks in all circumstances.
So, the next time the pie crust flops or the toddlers refuse to nap, remember this: There is always something to be thankful for. Even in the chaos. Even in the struggle.
And that, my friends, is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your goodness and for Your love that endures forever. Help me to find gratitude in the midst of life’s chaos, to see Your presence in every moment, and to give thanks for Your many blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen
Journal questions
-How can we encourage each other to choose thankfulness, Even when everything around us feels overwhelming and chaotic?
-How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude that goes beyond?
Add comment
Comments