In this warm reflection, Angie invites us to pause and rediscover the beauty of thankfulness, not just as a holiday tradition, but as a daily act of faith. From cosy homes and shared meals to the quiet wonders of God’s creation, she reminds us that gratitude changes how we see the world and lifts our hearts, even in difficult seasons.
As Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good”; a simple truth that fills ordinary moments with extraordinary grace.
Happy Thanksgiving! That phrase can be heard throughout the USA at this time of year, a nod to the holiday that occurs annually on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a day to gather together with family and friends and enjoy turkey with all the trimmings and other festive treats. Sitting around the table, each one gives thanks for all that has happened that year and shares their hopes for the year to come.
A tradition in our home is to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, in which Charlie Brown ends up hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for friends, but not the one that his friends were anticipating! After the disappointments, they all realise that the meal itself wasn’t important, but being thankful for everyone around the table was. Sometimes we get caught up in our expectations of how we want things to be, perfectionism steps in, and we overlook being thankful for what we have.
Being thankful is so important in life, and according to studies, it has many physical and mental benefits and enhanced wellbeing. As I sit here, I’m thankful for a nice warm home, a fridge full of food and more importantly, my dear husband whom I get to travel through life with. But more than anything, I’m thankful to God for the many blessings he bestows on me daily – the warm sunshine, colourful leaves falling from the trees, the robin that comes to my garden searching for a juicy worm, the perfect parking space at the supermarket, the list is endless. Sometimes when life is difficult and grumpiness sets in, I forget and focus on what I don’t have rather than what I do.
So why not take time today to express your thankfulness to God and those around you.
Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.”
About The Author
Angie was born in the UK, but spent 26 years living in California before returning to England 3 years ago.
She attended a church in the heart of Silicon Valley with her husband Rob, where she helped with the kids and special needs programme.
She worked as an Executive Assistant, which at times, was a little like herding cats! She enjoys baking, organizing and travelling.
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