How often do you practice gratitude? A little? A lot? Somewhere in the middle?
No matter how often, there’s always something to be thankful for—whether mishaps disguised as blessings or friendships that warm our hearts for years to come. So let’s dive into the five categories you should add to your gratitude list.
1. Random Acts of Kindness
Most of us have encountered acts of spontaneous kindness at some point. Maybe a stranger held open a door, thanked you, picked up something you dropped, or gave a bright smile when they saw you. Ever been down and a family member or jokester friend gave you a reason to smile?
The act of kindness doesn’t have to be for you, but something you saw. Have you seen chivalrous people lately?
Or maybe you’re person extending a caring hand. Have you done something nice for someone else recently?
2. Relationships
People need people, and some relationships are downright sweet. So who in your life gives you the best reasons to smile? The coworker that picked up some of your tasks when you needed a break at work? Your sister for offering the hug when you needed it most? The friend that listens to you vent, offers reasonable solutions, and prays with you?
What specific instances did you notice their generosity?
Even if you don’t have many friends, what one or two people help you through the week?
3. Lessons
As hard as it might be to admit, lessons are essential. They keep us on the right track, even when things are tough. They can be difficult to learn initially but save us a lifetime of hurt. Which lessons are you glad you learned because they turned into something good?
4. Bloopers
Have you ever watched a sad movie but watched those funny recorded mishaps in the bonus features afterward and instantly cheered up?
Turns out, little mistakes tend to make life a little sweeter. So what discombobulated moments have you witnessed? Were they embarrassing at first, but you could laugh at them later?
5. Because of God. . .
Remember that the good things in life are often little gifts from the Good Father (James 1:17).
How much could your gratitude list change with “Because of God” at the start of every entry?
From “I can heat my house” to “Because of God, my house is heated.”
From “I volunteer during Sunday School” to “Because of God, I can connect with and bless the Sunday School kids.”
God calls us to glorify Him in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31)—including making that gratitude list. And where can you go wrong when you’re giving the glory to Him?
Turn It Around
Use this list to give someone else a reason to be thankful this month. Be the person who puts a smile on their face or helps wipe the tears away. And when Thanksgiving eventually comes, you’ll have a list stuffed with gratitude.
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