My Grateful Heart
Finding Joy in the Unexpected: A Reflection on Gratitude
Early this year, I took on a new task at my church, helping to put together the Sunday bulletin. Our church has been in a period of transition—our full-time pastor moved on, leaving a need for volunteers to help keep things running. Even with a packed schedule managing my family, running BalancedRx, and working at an independent pharmacy, I felt called to step up. At first, I saw it as one more thing on my list, but it quickly became one of my favorite tasks. What started as “extra” turned into a weekly joy, creating new friendships for both me and my children within our church community. I’ve even found a sense of peace in this work and have come to know myself better through it.
In this transition, our church welcomed an interim pastor, whose messages inspire reflection and deeper thinking. Recently, during a lunch together, he shared that his upcoming sermon would focus on gratitude. But instead of asking the typical question, “What are you thankful for?” he asked us to consider, “What inspires gratitude in your life?”
At first, I thought of moments that highlight what’s good in my life, often by comparison. Others in the group spoke of small blessings, like the simple security of having food on the table. It’s true—there are countless little things to appreciate each day, like the cozy warmth of a space heater under my desk right now. But Pastor’s question invites us to go beyond surface-level gratitude, to reflect on what truly fills our hearts with appreciation.
For me, real gratitude comes in quiet moments, like watching my children’s peaceful faces as they sleep or feeling the gentle warmth of a sun-warmed car seat on a brisk day. Nature also brings out this deeper gratitude in me. Hiking, breathing in the cool morning air, and seeing the sky’s colors at sunrise—all these remind me of the beauty that surrounds us and fills my heart with peace.
The Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
Did you know that cultivating gratitude isn’t just about feeling good in the moment? Reflecting on gratitude invites us to slow down and notice life’s small joys, which ultimately helps us lead healthier, happier lives. A regular gratitude practice can also have lasting effects on our health and well-being. Research shows that people who actively practice gratitude experience reduced stress, less anxiety, and lower rates of depression. These effects contribute to better emotional resilience and can help create a more balanced life. Reflecting on gratitude helps us shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, which can be incredibly grounding, especially in stressful times.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage you to think about ways to nurture a gratitude practice in your own life. Here are a few simple ways to begin:
Morning or Evening Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day listing three things you’re grateful for. It could be a warm cup of coffee, a friendly smile, or a quiet moment.
Set a Daily Reminder: Set an alarm to pause midday and appreciate something, even if it’s just a single breath or a view outside your window.
Gratitude Jar: Write down one thing you’re grateful for each day and place it in a jar. Watching it fill up over time is a reminder of the good things in life, especially on harder days.
Mindful Moments with Family: While driving or during dinner, share something you appreciated in your day. This can transform routine activities into shared moments of gratitude and teaches children to reflect on life’s blessings, too.
Gratitude is more than a feel-good exercise; it’s a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being. In nurturing this mindset, we learn to find joy in the ordinary, enriching both our lives and the lives of those around us.
