Thanksgiving: An Opportunity to Give Thanks Even in Challenging Times

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays—a moment to pause, gather with loved ones and family members, and reflect on all we have to be grateful for. But let’s be real: some years, finding that gratitude feels harder than others. Maybe you’re facing difficult situations that make it tough to see the bright side, or perhaps life just feels overwhelming. I get it. I’ve been there too.

The truth is, gratitude isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about looking for the good—even in the midst of chaos. This Thanksgiving, I want to invite you to join me in reframing how we approach gratitude, especially when life feels heavy. Let’s take this opportunity to uncover the silver linings and appreciate the strength we’ve built along the way. Because sometimes, it’s the hard moments that teach us the most about what we truly have to be thankful for.

Why Gratitude Matters, Especially in Hard Times

In challenging times, gratitude can feel like a distant idea. But science shows it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our mental and physical health and foster positive emotions. According to the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, practicing gratitude enhances mental health, builds resilience, and increases overall life satisfaction. It works by shifting our focus from what’s missing to what’s already present, helping us find meaning even in the small, everyday moments of daily life.

Gratitude isn’t just an individual practice—it’s also a way to strengthen relationships. The American Psychological Association highlights how expressing appreciation fosters deeper connections and builds supportive networks, which are critical when navigating difficulties. When we express gratitude, whether to a loved one, a colleague, or even ourselves, it nurtures a sense of belonging and reminds us that we’re not alone.

Even when life feels overwhelming, gratitude offers a way to reclaim perspective. By acknowledging even the smallest wins or moments of kindness, we create a foundation of hope and positivity that helps us move forward. It’s a simple practice with profound effects—one that can guide us toward growth and healing, even in the face of hardship.

Finding Gratitude in the Small Things

Sometimes, we think gratitude has to come from something big—a life-changing moment or a huge success. But in my experience, it’s the small things that often hold the most power. Especially during tough times, I’ve found that pausing to notice and appreciate the little joys around me makes all the difference.

Maybe it’s the warmth of your morning coffee, the way sunlight streams through your window, or a kind word from a friend. These small moments remind us of good news in our lives and help us feel good, even on the hardest days. They might seem insignificant, but when you start paying attention, they add up. They remind us that, even in tough times, good things are still happening.

One way I stay grounded in gratitude is by keeping a journal. I jot down three things I’m thankful for each day—big or small. Some days, it’s a big win at work or a special moment with family. Other days, it’s something as simple as hearing my favorite song on the radio. Writing it down helps me focus on what’s good instead of what’s missing.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to try it. Take a moment to pause and reflect on the small things that make life brighter. You might be surprised by how much you have to be thankful for, even when life feels heavy. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect—it’s about finding beauty in the imperfect. Because gratitude doesn’t erase the hard times, but it can help you see the light within them.

Embracing the Challenges as Part of Growth

Let’s be honest—when life throws curveballs, the last thing we want to do is be thankful for them. But over the years, I’ve realized something: the hardest seasons often teach us the most. It’s in those moments of struggle that we discover our resilience, our resourcefulness, and sometimes, even a deeper appreciation for the good things we may have overlooked.

Think about it—how often have you gone through something difficult, only to look back later and see how it shaped you? Maybe it pushed you to grow in ways you never expected, or it revealed people in your life who were truly there for you. Taking a moment to practice deep breathing can help you pause and gain clarity, making it easier to see the lessons hidden within the challenges. While it’s not easy to feel grateful in the middle of a storm, embracing the lessons it offers can lead to unexpected strength and clarity.

For me, one of the biggest shifts was learning to let go of perfection. Not everything in life will go as planned, and that’s okay. Challenges have a way of stripping away what doesn’t matter and showing us what does. And often, what matters are the things we can be grateful for—a friend’s encouragement, the chance to try again, or simply the strength to keep moving forward.

This Thanksgiving, I’m reminding myself to not just look for the obvious blessings but also to appreciate the tough times that have shaped who I am. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Because in the end, even our struggles hold something to be thankful for.

Trusting God’s Plan and the Importance of Faith

I’ll be the first to admit that there have been times in my life when I couldn’t make sense of the challenges I was facing. It felt like everything was out of my control, and I was just trying to hold it all together. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my faith.

For me, faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting that God has a bigger plan, even when I can’t see it. It’s in those moments of uncertainty and struggle that I’ve leaned on Him the most. And while it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve seen time and again how His plan unfolds in ways I never could have imagined.

One verse that has always given me strength is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It’s a reminder that even in the toughest times, God is working behind the scenes, preparing something better than we could ever dream of.

Faith has been my anchor, helping me find gratitude even when life feels overwhelming. It reminds me that no challenge is wasted and that every trial has a purpose. If you’re struggling to see the light right now, I encourage you to lean into your faith. Trust that God’s plan is at work, and take comfort in knowing you’re never walking this journey alone.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude This Thanksgiving

Finding gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about small, intentional practices that remind us of what truly matters. This Thanksgiving, try incorporating these simple yet powerful ways to focus on gratitude:

1. Start a Gratitude Circle: During your Thanksgiving meal, invite everyone to share one thing they’re thankful for this year. Hearing others’ reflections often inspires our own sense of gratitude.
2. Reflect on God’s Blessings: Take a quiet moment to pray or journal about how God’s plan has guided you this year. Even in the toughest times, reflecting on His faithfulness can reveal blessings you may not have noticed.
3. Write Thank-You Notes: Expressing gratitude to others not only uplifts them but also reminds you of the positive impact people have had on your life.
4. Volunteer or Give Back: Helping those in need is one of the most humbling ways to cultivate gratitude. It’s a reminder of how much we have to give and how interconnected we all are.
5. Create a Gratitude Jar: Start a new tradition by writing down things you’re grateful for throughout the week and sharing them as a family on Thanksgiving Day.
6. Celebrate Your Growth: Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come this year—especially through the challenges. What lessons have you learned? How have you grown in faith, strength, or love? Gratitude often grows when we acknowledge the ways we’ve been shaped by life’s ups and downs.

Gratitude doesn’t mean life is perfect. It’s about seeing the beauty and blessings woven into the imperfect moments. This Thanksgiving, let’s open our hearts to both the joys and the challenges, knowing they’ve all played a role in shaping who we are.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving, I hope you take a moment to pause and reflect on all the blessings in your life—big and small, joyful and even the ones disguised as challenges. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard times; it’s about finding the silver linings and trusting that God’s plan is working for your good, even when it’s not clear yet.

Whether it’s through your faith, the love of family and friends, or the simple comforts of the season, I pray you find peace and joy in this time of reflection. From my heart to yours, I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, and the knowledge that you are never alone on this journey.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!