Gratitude in Action: Embracing Thanks-Giving

As we gather for Thanksgiving this week, it’s worth reflecting on the heart of the holiday. It’s not Thanks-getting. It’s Thanks-giving. At its core, Thanksgiving reminds us to focus on giving—giving thanks, giving kindness, and giving to others.

Yet, it’s easy to lose sight of that. Amid the rush for Black Friday deals or the pressure to prepare the perfect meal, we sometimes shift from gratitude to getting. We chase what we don’t yet have and forget what’s already here. But gratitude—genuine gratitude—isn’t about accumulating. It’s about recognizing and celebrating what we already hold.

Giving Thanks for People

In a previous post, we reflected on family in all its forms. Thanksgiving is an invitation to give thanks not just for the family by birth but for the family by choice. The people who walk alongside us through life—friends, mentors, coworkers, and neighbors who lend a hand when needed—deserve recognition.

Marcus Aurelius wrote, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” We don’t control the world, but we can control our perspective. We can choose to see the good in the people around us. We can recognize their presence as a gift and honor them by giving back through our words, actions, and time.

Gratitude in the Ordinary

In another post, we explored gratitude for the basic, ordinary things: the roof over our heads, a shared meal, and clean water. These blessings are so foundational that we often take them for granted.

Thich Nhat Hanh said beautifully, “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment.” Gratitude begins when we stop looking for extraordinary signs and notice the miracles already within reach: the warm hug of a loved one, the laughter of children at play, and even the quiet moments alone with a cup of coffee.

These ordinary moments, so easy to overlook, are where life happens. And they are more than enough.

Gratitude in Giving

Gratitude doesn’t stop at recognition. It flows outward. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what can we give?

We can give our time to someone who feels alone, encourage someone who’s struggling, provide resources to those in need, and offer our presence—real, focused—to the people who mean the most to us.

When we give, we shift our focus away from scarcity and toward abundance. We find that in giving thanks, we’re also giving joy. The act of giving itself becomes a gift.

Living Thanks

Thanksgiving may be just one day, but its spirit can shape our lives year-round. It’s not about grand gestures but small, intentional acts of gratitude—a handwritten note, a thank-you text, a moment of stillness to appreciate the sunrise.

So, as you gather with loved ones this week—or even spend the day quietly by yourself—take a moment to reflect. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday; it’s an opportunity to live in a way that values giving over getting.

And when we give thanks, we’re not just honoring those around us. We’re celebrating the life we’ve been given.

Three Simple Gratitude Prompts for Thanksgiving

1. Who in your life are you most grateful for? Let them know.

2. What is one ordinary thing you’ve overlooked lately? Pause and appreciate it.

3. How can you give back this week—whether to a person, a community, or the world?

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~ Steve