In this season of Thanksgiving, we gather as families, friends and individuals, not only to give thanks for the abundance around us but also to remind ourselves of the simple blessings that sometimes go unnoticed. Not only is gratitude a response to good things, it is a reflection of our faith and our trust in Heavenly Father. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) This verse is referring to the kind of gratitude that is not dependent on circumstances. Rather, it invites us to look beyond what is happening around us and instead focus on the enduring mercies of our Heavenly Father.
The Book of Mormon also invites us to a life filled with thankfulness. In Alma 34:38, Amulek teaches: “Live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.” Gratitude should not be a seasonal sentiment; it is meant to be a core part of our daily walk, changing our outlook and deepening our relationship with Heavenly Father.
I remember a personal experience with gratitude that has stayed with me throughout my life. It involves my dear grandmother, a woman of great faith and a heart so full of love that I always felt wrapped in warmth whenever I was with her. She was a humble, devout woman with strong faith who had a deep reverence for the Scriptures. One day, she misplaced her precious Book of Mormon. She had read it every day, and losing it was like losing a precious friend. I remember her searching for it tirelessly, her voice filled with both hope and concern.
Days passed, and her treasured book had not turned up. I saw her devotion to God even then; she continued her prayers and read from her Bible instead, not complaining but holding her peace. One day, I was with her when, at long last, she found it tucked away on a shelf where she would not have thought to look. She held that book as though it were a gift directly from heaven, her eyes filling with tears of joy. Indeed, she had a testimony that it was most definitely from heaven. She turned to me and said, “Never take anything for granted—not this book, not even a single day. Everything we have is a blessing from the Lord.”
My grandmother taught me to see every moment as a gift, not because everything goes right, but because we can trust that our Father in Heaven is always at work in our lives, even when things are difficult. Her gratitude was born out of faith, and it was a gratitude that held strong even when she was searching in the dark.
The Scriptures encourage us to approach life with this attitude of thankfulness, no matter our circumstances. When we look to the Lord with gratitude, we find ourselves blessed with greater understanding and with greater patience in our trials. In Mosiah 2:20-21, King Benjamin reminds us of our utter dependence on the Lord and His continual gifts to us: “I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you…yet ye would be unprofitable servants.” This reminder helps us understand that every breath we take and every blessing we enjoy comes from Him.
Today, I find myself deeply grateful for the lesson my grandmother taught me—that gratitude is an action. Her response to adversity was not frustration but gratitude. She did not wait for her situation to improve before she showed thanks; she was grateful even when she could not see her way through. In doing so, she exemplified Alma’s counsel to “live in thanksgiving daily.” This way of life is not always easy, but it is life-changing.
As we enter this Thanksgiving season, let us not only count our blessings but also acknowledge the One who gives them. It is easy to feel grateful when things are going well, but it is perhaps most meaningful when we express thanks amidst uncertainty. Each trial can be met with gratitude, not because we enjoy the trial itself, but because we know we are being refined and strengthened by the Lord.
In my life, I have tried to carry forward the legacy of gratitude that my grandmother instilled in me. I make an effort to reflect, each day, on something I am grateful for. Some days, it might be a simple blessing—a quiet moment, a kind word, or a reminder of God’s goodness. Other days, I find myself grateful for the challenges that teach me humility and dependence on Christ. Through gratitude, I find that my burdens are lightened, and my spirit feels lifted. Gratitude, when sincerely practised, opens the windows of heaven and allows us to see Heavenly Father’s love in everything around us.
As we share our Thanksgiving tables with loved ones this season, I encourage each of you to take a moment to consider how the Lord has blessed you personally. Even if the blessings are quiet or small, they are evidence of His infinite love for each of us. Take this time to offer heartfelt thanks, not only for the bounty on the table but also for the spiritual blessings and lessons we receive from Him daily.
I bear witness that gratitude transforms hearts. It draws us nearer to the Saviour, reminding us that even in our darkest days, He is with us, extending His hand. Let us, like my grandmother, choose to be grateful for the things we have, never taking for granted the small blessings that make up our lives. In doing so, we will find our hearts softened, our lives enriched, and our faith strengthened.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
