The Grateful Heart's Influence: Leading Others Close to Christ Through Thanksgiving

Gratitude is not about having what you want; it's about wanting what you have. These powerful words from Fr. Ron's recent (Oct 12) "Breaking Open the Word" reflection reminds us of a truth we often forget in our hurried lives: appreciation transforms everything.

So, as we approach Thanksgiving, what a wonderful opportunity to take a step back and appreciate the abundance already present in our lives. It is important to understand that gratitude is more than a feeling to be savored in solitude. As William Arthur Ward beautifully said, “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” True gratitude finds its fullest expression when shared—when we offer it as a gift to those around us and, most importantly, to God.

The question then becomes: How do we cultivate and express this transformative grace? How do we turn gratitude from a seasonal sentiment into a way of life?

Turning Every Day into a Day of Gratitude

Every day can be a day to be grateful. Just waking up is a gift. From the simple gift of waking to see another dawn, to the countless blessings woven throughout our days, gratitude waits to be discovered. Here are some examples of everyday items and moments that we can show gratitude for.

• Fresh air to breathe – Take a deep breath, thanking God for working lungs and clean air.

• Clean water – Thank God for the water you have to drink and the plumbing you have access to.

• Our body – As we get older, it might be difficult to feel grateful for the pain in our knees or in our hands. But thank God for your health and being able to take in the wonder of his world. 

• Laundry – You may not enjoy having to clean the pile of clothes, but turn the task into an act of gratitude.  Thank God for the clothes you have to wear

• Dishes – Similar to Laundry, doing the dishes might not be your favorite, but offer it to God in gratitude for the food you ate today and the family or friends you shared a meal with.  

• Traffic – This is a tough one. But in the heat of traffic, set aside the frustration and offer to God thanks for having a car to take you to your destinations.   Thank Him for where you have to go. Maybe it is to visit with family or friends. Maybe it is time to go to a doctor’s appointment.  Thank God for those that you are going to see.  

  
  

The list can go on and on.  Find every day, ordinary tasks and give thanks to God!   

Turning Interactions with Others into Gratitude

Gratitude deepens when we step outside ourselves and recognize the struggles of others. It is easy to take our blessings for granted, and oftentimes we are in our own world, not realizing how others may be struggling much more than us.  Saint Mother Teresa shared that she was “grateful to the people [she helped], the sick and dying in the slums of Calcutta, because they have helped grow and deepen [her] spiritual life.” We can help others who are not as fortunate as us either through time or monetary support. In this way, we can be grateful for what we can give as opposed to what we have received. It also helps put in perspective the blessings that we have.  

We can also show gratitude through the people we encounter. Being fully present for someone is a gift. We may listen to someone but be distracted by our phone or thoughts, or meal planning.  Make sure to listen fully with your ears but also with your heart.  Perhaps they are not saying something. God is in the transformation business, and you are his vessel. Your encounters can be life-changing for you and for them.  Time spent with others during their difficult times or volunteering your time with the talents God gave you is life-giving to all involved. In serving others with our presence, our gifts, and our time, we complete the circle of gratitude, becoming witnesses to God's love and instruments of His boundless compassion.

Using Gratitude to Overcome Times of Trouble. 

When we find ourselves in a rough patch or difficult moment in life, a great way to cleanse our mind and soul is to go on a gratitude walk. On this special walk, make sure you have no distractions. Don’t listen to music. Don’t look at your email. Be completely present in your experience with nature.  Be aware of the things around you by using your senses. The sense of sight: the color of the trees and the leaves, the sky, and the people and creatures surrounding you.  The sense of hearing: the sounds of the birds, crickets, and any other sounds in the air.  The sense to smell: whether it’s the fresh air, or flowers, or grass being cut.  The sense to feel: where we could feel the wind and the warmth of the sun, touching flowers or fallen leaves. In these quiet moments of sensory awareness, we rediscover what has been there all along—the generosity of God's creation and the invitation to receive it with a grateful heart. This is how a simple walk becomes a transformative act of worship.  

Gratitude to Our All-Powerful God

Finally, with gratitude comes the realization that we receive much more than we deserve.  For God so loved us that he gave His only Son to die for our sins and salvation.  Through Jesus‘ life, death, and resurrection, we receive salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life, not by earning it, but through faith. Going to Mass to receive Jesus and thank Him for his love and salvation is a fantastic expression of gratitude. When we kneel at the altar and receive the Eucharist, we are not merely participating in a ritual; we are entering into the heart of gratitude itself, offering our whole selves in thanksgiving for a love so boundless, so merciful, that it chose us, redeemed us, and calls us home.

Dear Lord, I am so grateful for all of the blessings that you have given to me in my life every day. I pray that you will remind me of just how lucky I am.  Never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and acts of kindness. As we receive many blessings daily, help us not miss YOU, the GIVER of all gifts! Amen. 

If you have other ways that you like to show gratitude or give thanks to God, please share with us below in the comments!