I don’t know about you, but I underrated Thanksgiving as a child. I would’ve skipped the turkey in a heartbeat if it meant that I was one day closer to opening my Christmas presents. But now that I look back, a lot of my favorite memories came from this holiday because it gave me the opportunity to be present with my family. Even more, it was a time for us to thank God for what we have.

We could use a lot more holidays like Thanksgiving. But shouldn’t we try to apply gratitude into our daily lives, instead of focusing on it for one day out of the year? If we simply started our mornings in prayerful thanksgiving instead of thinking about the tasks and details of our day, it could direct our hearts on what really matters. It can also humble us with the reminder that every blessing comes from and belongs to God. The more we recognize this, the more ability we have to praise and experience Christ within our lives.

And why is it that we thank God for the bigger blessings and forget the small things that should be appreciated? In Thessalonians 5:18, it doesn’t say that we need to give thanks for the big circumstances, but in everything. Whether it’s a good parking spot, surprise cup of coffee from a friend or sunset that takes your breath away, there is nothing too little to thank God for. He loves to use small ways to win our affection, because it means we are making more of an effort to look for Him. You never know what opportunity you might miss if you don’t purposefully open your heart enough to be willing to seek and receive Him.

And as we grow more aware of how much we delight in the small things, we also learn how God delights in the little things we do for Him. Satan loves to tell us that the things we do won’t make a difference in this world, but God teaches us otherwise. Nothing done with love is of little value; anything done to glorify God makes a huge difference.

So this year, let’s bring Thanksgiving out of the day and into our lifestyle. Let’s recognize all blessings, whether it’s big or small.

“Do small things with great love.” -Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Reflection: 1. Does your prayer life reflect your gratitude? Do you thank Him before you ask Him for something? 2. Do you appreciate the small things in your life? 3. Do your words and actions reflect your gratitude? 4. Is there someone or something in your life you should be more appreciative of?