Next week, we will once again celebrate Thanksgiving—a special time when we focus on being thankful.

Usually, we think about the big things: our families, our homes, the food on our tables, and the people we love.

We gather around and share what we’re grateful for, and it brings a warm feeling.

But this year, I’m inviting each of us to try something a little different.

Instead of just the big things, let’s think about all the small things we take for granted every day.

They’re the little parts of life that, though we might overlook them, make a huge difference.

Often, we don’t realize how important these little things are until we miss them.

But if we take time to notice them, we might start to see that our lives are filled with hidden blessings.

The Cozy Things That Start Our Day

Imagine your morning.

When you wake up, maybe you feel a bit sleepy or wish you had a few more minutes in bed.

But think for a moment: you have a bed to sleep in, blankets to keep you warm, and a safe space where you can relax and rest.

These things might seem normal or “just there,” but they’re actually a blessing.

Not everyone has a cozy bed or even a safe place to sleep each night.

Sometimes, appreciating these simple things makes us realize just how lucky we are.

Starting the day with a sense of thankfulness—even if it’s just for a warm blanket or the comfort of your room—can help us appreciate the little moments more deeply.

The Everyday Things That Make Life Easier

As we go through the day, we rely on so many small conveniences without even thinking about them.

Consider the moment you turn on the faucet and have clean water to drink or wash your hands.

Or when you flip a switch, and the lights come on.

These small actions seem almost automatic, but in reality, they’re incredible gifts.

Access to clean water and electricity is something many people around the world still don’t have.

Imagine if, for a day, you didn’t have these things. We experienced this very thing after Hurricane Milton.

And let me tell you, life suddenly felt a lot more complicated.

The things we don’t think twice about are the same things that make our days smoother and safer.

Next time you grab a snack from the fridge or turn on the heat in your house, try to remember how fortunate you are to have these conveniences.

And it’s not just utilities.

Technology plays a huge part in our lives.

We can call or text friends, talk to family members far away, and find answers to almost any question with just a few clicks.

We can capture memories with photos and share them instantly.

Imagine explaining this to someone who lived a hundred years ago—they’d probably be amazed!

The technology we use every day is actually a wonderful thing to be grateful for, even if we don’t always see it that way.

Being Thankful for Our Health

One of the most overlooked blessings is our health.

If we feel healthy and strong, it’s easy to forget how precious that is.

Our bodies allow us to walk, run, play, learn, and grow.

When we’re feeling good, we don’t usually stop to think about it.

But the moment we get sick or have a minor injury, we realize how much we rely on our health to enjoy our days.

Good health is something that allows us to do everything else we love.

It’s what lets us spend time with friends, enjoy sports, or even just go about our day.

If you’re feeling well, that’s something to celebrate.

It’s a reminder to be thankful for our bodies and to take care of them as best as we can.

The People Who Fill Our Lives with Love

Who are the people you see every day?

Your family members, friends, teachers, neighbors—these people all play important roles in our lives.

Sometimes, we take them for granted because they’re just there.

But imagine your life without them. It would feel a lot lonelier.

Take a moment to think about the people who support you.

Maybe it’s a family member who makes your lunch or a friend who listens when you need to talk.

Perhaps it’s a teacher who believes in you or a neighbor who waves and says hello.

Each person, in their own way, adds something special to your life.

This Thanksgiving, let’s try to show them some appreciation.

A simple “thank you” can mean a lot.

We don’t need grand gestures to express gratitude.

Sometimes, just telling someone we’re thankful for them is enough to make their day.

Nature and the Beauty Around Us

We live in a beautiful world filled with trees, flowers, rivers, mountains, and oceans.

But how often do we stop and really look at it?

Nature is all around us, and it has the power to make us feel calm, happy, and inspired.

Yet, we often rush through our days without noticing it.

The sound of birds in the morning, the feel of the breeze on our faces, or the sight of leaves changing color in the fall—these small things in nature can be very calming and uplifting.

They remind us that there’s beauty all around us, even in the simplest moments.

Try taking a few minutes each day to notice something in nature.

Watch the clouds, listen to the rain, or feel the grass under your feet.

Noticing nature can help us feel more grounded and grateful for the world we live in.

Finding Ways to Be Thankful Every Day

So, how do we remember to be thankful, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day?

Here are some simple ways to make gratitude a part of our daily lives:

Start a Gratitude Journal

Each night, write down three things you’re thankful for.

They don’t have to be big things—sometimes, the smaller, everyday things are the ones that make the most difference.

Say “Thank You” Often

When someone does something nice for you, even if it’s something small, make it a habit to say thank you.

This could be your family, friends, or anyone who helps make your day a little better.

Look for the Good in Every Situation

Even if something is tough, try to find at least one good thing about it.

For example, if you have a busy day, you could be thankful for the people you get to see or the work you’re able to do.

Reflect on Your Blessings

Take a moment each day to think about all the things in your life that you appreciate.

It could be anything from a warm meal to a cozy home.

Noticing Everyday Blessings

Being thankful isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of life.

It’s about noticing the good things, even when times are tough.

Life has its ups and downs, but when we make an effort to see the blessings, we start to feel a little happier and more at peace.

Thanksgiving is a great time to start noticing these everyday blessings.

This year, let’s try to see and appreciate the things we often overlook.

When we do, we’ll realize our lives are filled with gifts we may have taken for granted.

These little things might not seem like much on their own, but together, they create a life full of small joys and big blessings.

So, as we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks not only for the big things but also for the little things that make life beautiful.

Let’s appreciate our homes, our health, the people we love, and the beauty of the world around us.

And most importantly, let’s try to carry this thankfulness with us each day, reminding ourselves that every day has something worth being thankful for.