Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
When I hear the word “Thanksgiving,” I immediately picture the extensive and varied menu of foods my older sister prepares each November. From turkey to prime rib, sweet potato pie to cherry cheesecake, cornbread dressing to lasagna, she provides her guests with an assortment of choices. I make sure to wear an elastic waistband when eating at her house for dinner!
My sister’s wide-ranging menu is one way she expresses love for her family and gratefulness to God for her many blessings. She has cultivated a heart of gratitude.
As I consider my sister’s life, she has faced many difficult circumstances, yet, she’s intentional about thanking God each step of the way. She puts into practice the words Paul shared with the believers at Thessalonica: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT) (emphasis added).
My sister gives God thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20), whether good or bad. She sees each day, each circumstance, and each experience as an opportunity to thank God. I want to be like her when I grow up!
Her heart of gratitude is infectious. When I call to complain about a tough situation, she reminds me to be thankful for the blessings in the midst of the storm. When I send a text to celebrate an accomplishment, she rejoices with me as we thank God. She provides me with a tangible example of being thankful in all circumstances and giving thanks to God for everything.
My dear Sister in Christ, as you work in ministry, I encourage you to follow my older sister’s example and cultivate a heart of gratitude.
- When the YouTube video you spent hours producing doesn’t receive the response you hoped, give thanks to God.
- When you sell your first book on Amazon, give thanks to God.
- When your bank account doesn’t reflect the effort you put into your ministry, give thanks to God.
- When your reel goes viral on Instagram, give thanks to God.
- When your expertly crafted Facebook post doesn’t get the number of likes you expected, give thanks to God.
- When you receive a glowing review after your speaking engagement at a women’s conference, give thanks to God.
Regardless of the circumstances, give thanks to God for everything!
By doing this, you will cultivate a heart of gratitude.
Reflection Questions:
- What challenging circumstances can you thank God for this week?
- What blessings can you thank God for this week?
For more encouragement check out our YouVersion Devotionals.
A desire to help others is a common theme in T.K. Floyd Foutz’s life, and this desire has motivated many of her personal, educational, and professional endeavors. She tries to live her life in harmony with Luke 12:48, which states in part, “to whom much is given, much is required.” Additionally, as the spouse of an active-duty service member, she understands the importance of serving others. One way T.K. serves others is through faith-based content. She shares hope and wisdom through her Weekly Words of Encouragement video devotionals. She also develops and teaches Bible studies for her local church.
