Giving Thanks for the Big and Small

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, a time rich with connection, meaning, and reflection. For me, this holiday is all about gratitude. Yes, I know the history of Thanksgiving is complex, with sides of the story that aren’t always fully told. But what it represents today is something I embrace: a moment to pause, gather, and focus on the blessings in our lives.

One of my favorite reminders of this comes from a prayer I heard years ago on the TV show Sisters. It’s stayed with me ever since:

“For the blessings you’ve bestowed on these homes and these families, for all the days we’ve had together and all the days to come. For the joys and the sorrows that bring us ever closer, for the trials we’ve overcome, for teaching us that we can do no great things, only small things with great love. We thank you.”

That’s the heart of Thanksgiving—recognizing the joys and the challenges that shape us. It’s about honoring the past, appreciating the present, and looking forward to the future.

Honoring the Past

Thanksgiving has a way of pulling me into memories of the past. Childhood Thanksgiving meant family crammed around a table, the hum of conversation, and the thrill of sneaking an extra piece of pie.  Who can forget the children’s table? It was chaotic, messy, and perfect.

Then there are the people who aren’t with us anymore but made the holiday feel whole. Their legacy lingers in the recipes they perfected, the traditions they started, and the love they shared. Whether it’s the way they carved the turkey or the stories they told, they’re woven into the fabric of how we celebrate today.

As much as Thanksgiving is about gratitude, it’s also about remembrance. It’s about holding space for the joy, loss, laughter, and lessons.

Gratitude for the Present and Future

Gratitude is about more than looking back. It’s also about seeing the beauty in where we are right now. Every home, every person, every shared meal is a gift. Even when life feels messy or imperfect, there’s always something to be thankful for.

And then there’s the future—the blessings yet to come. Maybe it’s a new relationship, a fresh opportunity, or simply the chance to slow down and savor life. Gratitude opens the door to hope, and hope propels us forward.

This Thanksgiving, try something simple: as you gather with loved ones, go around the table and share what you’re thankful for today and one thing you’re hopeful about for the future. It’s a beautiful way to shift the conversation from reflective to inspiring.

Finding Meaning in Joy and Sorrow

Life is never just one thing. The joy we celebrate—birthdays, promotions, new beginnings—is often intertwined with sorrow. Loss, challenges, and tough seasons shape us just as much as the good times.

Here’s the thing: those moments of struggle bring us closer. They remind us to lean on the people we love and to let them lean on us in return. The tough stuff teaches us resilience, and the good stuff reminds us why life is worth it.

This Thanksgiving, don’t shy away from the hard parts. Reflect on the trials that strengthened your connections and the struggles that revealed your inner strength. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard times but finding meaning in them.

Great Love in Small Acts

One of my favorite lines from the Sisters’ prayer is: “For teaching us we can do no great things, only small things with great love.” I think that may be a quote from Mother Teresa.

It’s easy to think we need to do something monumental to make a difference. But the truth is that it’s the little things that matter most. A kind word. A quick phone call. A smile when someone needs it most.

Think about it: when was the last time a small act of kindness turned your day around? Maybe someone held the door open for you or brought you coffee when you were overwhelmed. Those tiny moments add up, creating ripples far beyond what we can see.

This Thanksgiving, focus on the small acts of love you can offer—to the people at your table, your neighbors, or even strangers.

A Thanksgiving Blessing

As you carve the turkey and share stories this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to carry the spirit of gratitude with you:

  • For the blessings of today and tomorrow, we give thanks.
  • For the people who make our lives richer, we give thanks.
  • For the lessons of joy and sorrow, we give thanks.
  • For the opportunity to love greatly, we give thanks.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the abundance on your table. It’s about the abundance in your heart. Gratitude is a practice—it’s something we can choose every day, and it has the power to transform how we see ourselves and the world.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May your home be filled with warmth, love, and gratitude this season—and always.