This is the time of year where people start thinking more about gratitude. Or at least, the fall weather has me thinking about the time of year when people start thinking about gratitude. Or at least, in the United States, the time of year where we celebrate Thanksgiving is coming up soon-ish, and obviously you should have something prepared for when people go around the dinner table and say something that you’re thankful for, and you really can’t say “family and friends” because that’s what the last three people already said!
I saw this excellent talk from Cabel Sasser at XOXO 2024 through [Steve’s blog over at Tangible Life](https://tangiblelife.net. Without spoiling it, because you really, really, should watch the whole talk, Cabel talks about “appreciating all the things”. It’s an excellent sentiment, and generally a great mindset for life. If you find something interesting, take a moment to actually soak it in and appreciate it. I’ve found in my own life that just taking a moment to be thankful for something beautiful can change my whole outlook.
This ties into two other thoughts for me. One being people talking about “practicing gratitude”. I think this idea is well intentioned, and so close to the mark, while also missing it entirely. What should we have gratitude towards in this scenario? A person? The universe? Fate? Luck? The second thought (and why I think the first is missing the mark), was that this reminded me of these verses: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). My paraphrased, and incorrect, version of this can be seen in the blog title, but the truth of it remains. As a believer in Christ, I am called to rejoice in everything, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all circumstances. This is why I think “practicing gratitude” is missing the mark. Without direction, it becomes “practice gratitude to or for whatever makes you feel better”. But there is a better way.
Believers in Christ are supposed to practice gratitude, in everything, to the God who created it all. With that in mind, I can be thankful for the beautiful fall colors, and the sunshine, and the rain. I can be thankful for good health, and in sickness. I can be thankful for times of plenty, and in times of little. So whether you’re a christian or not, practice gratitude. But even better; thank the God who is ruling over all of it.