From Thankfulness to True Gratitude: An Invitation to Reflect This Thanksgiving

Today is the Day!

The aroma of roasting turkey and pumpkin spice is filling the air, signaling that it’s time for Thanksgiving or as many affectionately call it, “Friendsgiving.” But as we gather around our beautifully laden tables, perhaps this year we can pause and ask a more profound question: Are we simply giving thanks, or are we truly living in a state of gratitude?

The Difference Between Thanks and Gratitude

While both are positive feelings, there’s a subtle yet significant difference between being thankful and being grateful.

• Thankful(ness) is often defined as feeling pleased and relieved—like that “ooh, I’m glad this is over” sigh when a huge task is finished. It’s a positive reaction to something that was done or received.

• Grateful, by definition, is feeling or showing appreciation for what was done or received. It suggests a deeper recognition of the blessing, and a readiness to return kindness.

Perhaps then, this day is best described as GRATITUDE GIVING DAY. A day to not only feel thankful for what we have received but to show appreciation and commit to returning kindness to others.

A Deeper Perspective: Every Breath is a Blessing

Today is an opportunity to reflect and put life into perspective. While we count our blessings, we are reminded that many cannot. We can be grateful that we simply woke up this morning, safe in our homes, not victims of the random acts of violence that plague neighborhoods and the world. Several countries including my home country were devastated last month by hurricane Melissa. I wonder how grateful we are that we and our loved ones survived the hurricane and the aftermath of the hurricane.

When we look at our own lives, even with the many losses and devastations we suffer, the loss of loved ones, a job, or something precious, most of us can still acknowledge how fortunate we are. 

This realization can lead us to look beyond our own tables and remember those for whom this holiday is incredibly difficult:

• The woman spending her first holiday as a widow.

• The parent worried about providing Christmas gifts after a job loss.

• Families who have lost their homes to disasters.

• Loved ones lost to gun violence or police brutality.

• Our neighbors and friends struggling with mental or physical health issues or simply enduring loneliness.

These are the moments when our gratitude must translate into action and compassion.

Finding Grace in the Everyday

An unknown author beautifully guides us in turning everyday complaints into reasons for gratitude, reminding us that every moment is a blessing:

• Complaining about dishes means our teenager is safe at home.

• Paying taxes means we are employed.

• Clothes that fit too snug mean we have more than enough to eat.

• A huge heating bill means we are warm.

• Weariness and aching muscles mean we have been productive.

• The early morning alarm means we have been given another day of life.

Our Hope, Our Opportunity

As we sit around our bountiful tables today, let us take a moment to reflect on our lives, knowing we have safety and contentment when so many cannot. Let that moment pass into a lasting awareness of how rich we truly are. We have hope, not fear; opportunity, not despair.

In this season, we are reminded that every breath is a blessing. As King David exclaimed, "Bless the Lord, O my Soul…" (Psalm 103) and Sirach encouraged, "Bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth." Incredibly, we are part of that wonder, part of creation itself.

May this GRATITUDE GIVING DAY awaken a new perspective on the lives we lead, uniting us in a deep, conscious appreciation for all that we are and all that we have been given.

With gratitude,

Dr. C