Gratitude

“I will give thanks to you,

O Lord, with my whole heart;

before the gods I will sing your praise.”

Psalm 138:1, Book of Common Prayer (BCP)

During the fall season, as I prepare for the holidays, a sense of gratitude fills the air. However, I often hear about the hectic nature of the end of the year. If we listen to those around us, it’s easy to get swept up in a world of comparisons, focusing on what we lack rather than what we have. Comparing our lives to others isn’t enough; it often leads us into a vicious cycle of competing with those we love.

It’s easy to have certain expectations about the holiday season, which ultimately leads us to fall into the trap of disappointment. Whether it’s the enticing reels on social media, the advertisements on TV or the idealistic movies on Netflix, life isn’t always what Hollywood portrays. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure comparing life to what’s on the screen, much less those around me, is the wisest choice.

If there ever was a time to prioritize gratitude in our lives, it is now. Over the years, I’ve realized that, amidst the numerous competing trends vying for my attention, it becomes even more crucial to focus on the blessings I have been fortunate enough to receive. This realization led me to adopt a simple yet effective approach: returning to the basics and simplifying my life by creating a daily list of things for which I am most thankful. By doing so, I eliminate the need for comparison and cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and appreciation. 

The “Book of Psalms,” a cherished prayer book, offers a profound way to cultivate gratitude and thankfulness in both our personal and collective lives. It serves as a reminder that our pursuit of worldly desires is misguided. God’s plan for us is far greater and His ultimate desire is for us to know Him. As the source and provider of all that we possess, He wants us to recognize His sufficiency. This realization is the foundation of gratitude.

“The Lord will make good his purpose for me;

O lord, your love endures forever;

do not abandon the works of your hands.”

Psalm 138:9, BCP