Finding Gratitude Amid the Noise
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us start thinking about turkey, football, and family gatherings—but beneath it all lies an invitation to slow down and reflect. Gratitude, at its best, is more than a seasonal nicety. It’s a mindset that reshapes how we see the world and ourselves.
Research has shown that a focus on gratitude can improve psychological well-being, deepen relationships, strengthen sleep, and even enhance longevity. Gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges we face, but it helps us hold them differently—with more softness, presence, and perspective.
When Gratitude Feels Hard
If your family is anything like mine, you’re probably just now emerging from the whirlwind of fall sports, school projects (that leaf project!), and the endless rhythm of drop-offs, pick-ups, and practices. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the small, meaningful moments that quietly invite our appreciation.
Beyond the daily chaos, this season has also been marked by loss and grief. There have been sad phone calls, hard conversations, new realities, and unexpected challenges. In those moments, gratitude doesn’t always come naturally—it feels like work. And yet, these are the very times when practicing it becomes most important. Gratitude in hardship isn’t about pretending things are fine; it’s about anchoring ourselves in what still holds us up.
Practicing What I Preach
So, in the spirit of the season, here’s my own gratitude list:
I’m grateful for my wife and family, who support and care for me.
I’m grateful for good friends—my chosen family along the way.
I’m grateful for a fall season of sports where my two oldest started at quarterback and my youngest played soccer with his friends.
I’m grateful for those who challenge me to grow and refuse to let me settle.
And I’m deeply grateful for a job that allows me to witness powerful stories of change—people courageously stepping into their second story.
A Thanksgiving Invitation
As you head into this Thanksgiving, I invite you to pause for a moment—between the cooking, the games, and the family chaos—and ask yourself:
Where can I find gratitude in my own life and on my own journey?
Even when life feels noisy, gratitude reminds us there’s still beauty in the background—steady, quiet, and waiting to be noticed.