When Gratitude Becomes a Way of Living

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving

,

I realized the other day that I haven’t sat down to write in a couple of months—and honestly, that usually means one thing: life is good, and life is full. Not perfect. Not quiet. Not polished. But good. And busy in all the right ways.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Since I was a little girl, I loved the tradition, the simplicity, the food, the warmth, and the gathering. But what I’ve always loved most is the attitude of gratitude that settles over everything. It’s the one time of year when we stop long enough to look around at the people we love and actually say it out loud: “I’m thankful for you.” And then we turn our eyes upward and thank the Lord for every single breath He’s given us.

This year is no different. In fact, I may be more grateful this year than I’ve ever been.

2026 has quietly become one of my favorite years—personally, spiritually, and emotionally. I have felt the hand of God move in my life in ways that were both gentle and strong… the kind of ways that leave you changed. I’ve grown as a person. I’ve been stretched as a mom. I’ve surrendered things I held onto for years, thinking I was protecting myself, when really I was just delaying my own healing. And somewhere along the way, I tasted a freedom that only Jesus can give.

I’ve stepped out of comfort zones that once felt impossible. I’ve lowered my pride in moments where obedience mattered more than how I looked. And God, in His patient way, met me in all of it.

So this Thanksgiving, as I sit back and eat too much food, play games with my kids, and watch my husband cook his famous ham, I’m overwhelmed by the simple good things…

A beautiful home.

Healthy, growing children.

A man who works hard every single day for our family.

A family who prays for me and supports me.

Friends who uplift, encourage, and speak life.

A career that I LOVE.

... And a God who rescued me, redeemed me, and handed me a second chance I didn’t deserve.

Thanksgiving isn’t just a day to me anymore. It’s a posture. A mindset. A way of living. A quiet, steady recognition that everything we hold, everything we cherish, everything we love—it's all a gift from the Lord.

As we shift into the holiday season (which, let’s be honest, I’ve been in for a while now), I pray I carry this gratitude with me… not as something seasonal, but as something sacred. Because gratitude reminds us that God is here, God is good, and God is still writing beautiful things into our lives.

Wishing you and your family the sweetest, warmest Thanksgiving.

MY PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the gift of today. For breath in our lungs, for the people we love, for the homes that hold us, and the peace You offer so freely. Help us see Your goodness in the small things and Your faithfulness in the big things. Teach us to live every day with a grateful heart, recognizing that every blessing comes from You. As we gather with our families, let our homes be filled with joy, humility, and Your steady presence. Thank You for second chances, for healing, and for freedom that only Jesus can give.In Your precious name, Amen.