A Heart of Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time for many families, like mine, to slow down and spend quality time with loved ones. If you’ve entered a season of life like me — where your children are now adults — they may have taken over most of the main courses, leaving you with that one dish the whole family absolutely cannot do without.

Now, as the matriarch of my family, I travel to my oldest daughter’s house with my famous “dressing,” all wrapped in tin foil. Once I arrive, I know I’ll get to sit and visit with my grannies, but inevitably I’ll be bombarded with, “Mom, taste this!” or “Do I need to add anything?” And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The word Thanksgiving itself is a beautiful combination of thanks and giving — a subtle reminder that we should always be grateful and have a heart to give. As we celebrate this day, I can’t help but be thankful for my family, both near and far, who are taking time to simply celebrate being thankful.

Thankful for what, you may ask? We’re living in challenging times. Many federal workers have lost their jobs. Some families stand in food lines weekly to feed their children. Older adults are struggling, and healthcare costs continue to rise. We even recently heard the heartbreaking news of a neighbor who took their own life.

So, if you are not in any of these categories, take a moment to truly pause and give thanks. Thank God for breath in your body, food on your table, a roof over your head, and people in your life who care about you. Gratitude doesn’t have to come from grand gestures or perfect circumstances — it grows quietly in the middle of ordinary blessings.

As I sit at my daughter’s table, surrounded by laughter, the smells of sweet potato pie and roasted turkey, I’m reminded that Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it’s a posture of the heart. It’s about slowing down long enough to appreciate how far you’ve come and how faithful God has been through every season.

Be thankful. Our family likes to take turns before praying over our meal to share one thing we’re grateful for. I don’t know what your family traditions include — maybe it’s gathering to watch football, playing board games, or heading to the movies after dinner — but whatever it is, be thankful that you have loved ones to share it with.

This year, consider turning your gratitude into action. Maybe start a new family tradition of giving — whether it’s donating to your local food bank, volunteering, or supporting a church food drive. My middle daughter recently shared that she gave meal cards through our church that will help feed ten families this Thanksgiving. That’s the kind of thanks and giving that truly honors the spirit of the day.

So wherever this Thanksgiving finds you — in a bustling kitchen, a quiet home, or even a season rebuilding — remember that gratitude and grace go hand in hand. Be thankful not just for what you have, but for who you’re becoming through it all.

Mama Wisdom Reflection:

Gratitude turns what we have into enough. May your heart stay soft, your hands stay open, and your spirit stay thankful. 🍁