It’s not always easy to keep the compass of gratitude aligned with true North. 

Our capitalistic society subjects us to a constant blitz that demands we discard the old, crave the best, and chase speed at all cost. 

Consume, consume, consume. We never have enough. 

Travel back to the 90s with me to my small Christian high school. During the Thanksgiving season, our Bible classes would encourage students to take turns sharing something for which they were grateful. Most students mentioned their families, an experience, or a coveted possession. 

When it was my turn, I always played it weird. I would think up something silly like my pillow. Friends would snicker at the idea and teachers would think I was being obnoxious. But the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. 

Most people just assume there will always be a pillow under their head at night. But have you ever tried sleeping without one? It’s not fun.

We are often told to focus on the big picture, to not get lost in the details. But aren’t the little things in life what often produces the most joy? When we are consumed by the bigger picture, we can overlook the richness that is found in the tiniest details. 

At bedtime, our family spends the most time moseying around in the “thankful” portion of our prayers. We thank God for the seemingly mundane, the things we take for granted. The things we just assume will always be there: our house, two working vehicles, food in the pantry, bicycles to ride, clothes on our backs, and pillows on which to rest our weary heads. 

I love hearing my children thank God for all of these things. It’s a good reminder to me when I get into the slump of desiring more. Don’t hear me incorrectly,  there’s nothing wrong with wanting or having nice things. But if we don’t balance that out with a grateful heart, we flirt with our selfish desires a bit too much. Our hand becomes a fist instead of an open palm. It’s an ugly, scary place to be.

So today, what am I grateful for?

Morning first sips of coffee

Flitting squirrel tails on neighborhood walks

Crazy bed hair with a side of squished hugs

Pumpkin muffins made from scratch

Birthday texting in the family chat

A Savior who holds my destiny