For That...I Am Grateful

I have discovered 5 words that are able to right my emotions, clear away discouragement and renew my focus. These 5 words are: “For that … I am grateful.”

I have discovered that gratitude is not an emotion, but it is an intentional choice.

I have also learned that Thanksgiving is not a holiday, but it is a willful determination.

Gratitude should never be determined by a date on the calendar, but it springs from bold resolve and a courageous lifestyle. When a storm is brewing on the horizon of my life, I remind myself to say, “For that … I am grateful.”

Choosing to be utterly grateful and sincerely appreciative should consume more of our lives than a single holiday is able to facilitate. Thanksgiving should be remembered and honored for more than just a month of the calendar year.

“Family … food … a home … for that … I am grateful.”

Thanksgiving should dominate each waking moment on every day of every year. Our “Gratitude Lists” should be enormous and never ending. When one notebook is filled with the blessings of our lives, we should then start another one and then another one.

“For a song to sing … and the Bible to read … for that I am grateful.”

Sincere Thanksgiving is more fulfilling and delicious than a gourmet meal. It is more celebratory than a parade marked with colorful balloons and loud marching bands. Thanksgiving is certainly more victorious than a championship football game!

My friend, you haven’t lived until you have chosen to exhibit extravagant thanksgiving on the worst day of your life.

Although I don’t know what pain or challenge has marked your days in 2026, let me assure you that each one of us can dig deeply down into the experiences of this year and loudly proclaim, “For that … I am grateful!”

“For health … and friendship … and the glory of creation … for that I am grateful!”

Life is hard at times but there is always … always … something for which to be grateful! Can you discover the good amid the hard? Can you see the fingerprint of God despite human pain?

“For freedom to worship … and books to read … and grandchildren to hug … for that I am grateful!”

I have traded my sorrows for a song of unending gratitude to the Friend Who made me, Who sustains me and Who loves me.

“For the hope that tomorrow will be better … for the faithfulness of God … for that… I am grateful!”

I don’t know what pain or joy has filled the days of this calendar year, but I hope your ability to celebrate your undeserved blessings has roared over the circumstances of your life.

“For the testimonies of others who have trusted God …for His goodness that trumps over evil … and for the resolve of the Pilgrims to give thanks … for that … I am grateful!”

Scripture: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1

Reflection Points:

1. What are you particularly and sincerely grateful for this year?

2. Why do you believe it is important to be thankful even when you are in a storm in life?

3. What is a worship song or hymn of the faith that stirs up gratitude in your heart? Take some time to listen to that song today.

Prayer: “Jesus, today I don’t want to complain or even ask for anything at all. I just want to thank You for Your goodness and Your power. Thank You that You are Lord and that You gave Your life for me. Thank You for creation and for every promise in the Bible. Thank You that You love me and hear me when I pray. Thank You, Father God, for sending Your Son, Jesus to die in my place. Thank You for joy, peace and hope. Thank You for your power that helps me to walk through pain and suffering. Thank You for the promise of heaven! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”