Choosing Gratitude: A Daily Practice of Faith and Thankfulness

Being alive has become my deepest reason for gratitude. I have always thanked God for my life, my family, my daughters, my husband, but surviving multiple encounters of pulmonary embolisms (PEs), when many do not survive even one, has given my gratitude a new depth and meaning. I feel incredibly blessed to testify that God has been my caretaker, and through His mercy, I am alive today. Each morning, I wake with joy, thankful for another day to enjoy the blessings He provides, my daughters, my husband, my family, and friends. My heart overflows with gratitude for the opportunity to serve God and worship Him, not only with words but through the life I live.

Gratitude is more than mere words. It is a daily decision to live with thankfulness. Psalm 100:4-5 reminds us: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, into his courts with praise: praise him, bless his name. For the LORD is good; His mercy endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Being thankful should be part of our everyday lives. We are called to thank God not only for the big blessings but also for the small, ordinary ones that often go unnoticed. God wants us to be aware of His goodness and to express our thanks, both to Him and to others. Gratitude is a crucial part of our walk with Jesus. Saying “thank you” is a habit we should teach our children, rooted in faith and love. Jesus explained this perfectly in the story of the ten lepers: “Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ He saw them and said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ As they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him, and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then He said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’” (Luke 17:11-19) Jesus healed ten men; He gave them their lives back, yet only one returned to express gratitude. This story reminds us how important it is to show thankfulness, not just to God but also to those who bless us in our daily lives.

When was the last time you thanked God for all you have? When did you last say thanks to a co-worker, a friend, or your partner? This week, I invite you to reach out to those who have blessed your life and let them know you value them. Give thanks to the people who have helped you, supported you, or just been there for you.

Here are 14 ways to express gratitude to God and others:

Ways to express gratitude to God:

1. Pray and give thanks daily – Begin and end your day thanking God for blessings, guidance, and protection.

2. Keep a gratitude journal – Write down daily blessings, big or small, to remember God’s goodness.

3. Use your talents to honor Him – Sing, cook, draw, teach, or create as an act of thanks for the gifts He’s given you.

4. Worship through song and praise – Join a service, sing at home, or play music that lifts your heart to God.

5. Serve others in His name – Volunteer, give to the needy, or bless someone anonymously as a way of honoring God.

6. Meditate on Scripture – Reflect on verses that remind you of God’s faithfulness and blessings.

7. Share your testimony – Tell others how God has worked in your life, inspiring gratitude in both yourself and them.

Ways to express gratitude to others:

8. Say “thank you” intentionally – Acknowledge kindness and support from family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

9. Write notes or letters of appreciation – Handwritten or digital messages can deeply touch someone’s heart.

10. Give thoughtful gifts or acts of service – Small gestures, like baking cookies or helping with a task, speak volumes.

11. Listen and spend quality time – Sometimes giving your full attention is the greatest way to show gratitude.

12. Praise publicly when appropriate – Recognize someone’s effort or help in front of others to encourage and uplift.

13. Celebrate milestones together – Acknowledge achievements or important moments to show you care.

14. Pay it forward – When someone has blessed you, bless another person in turn. Gratitude grows when shared.

But most importantly, give thanks to God, He is the source of every blessing, the one who loves unconditionally, and the one who sustains us each day. Gratitude attracts more blessings and makes us appreciate the blessings we already have. We should make gratitude a habit, not just a holiday, and watch how it transforms our hearts, our relationships, and our lives.