The Gifts of Gratitude
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
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There’s a story about an old woman who lived in a small, weathered house at the edge of a village. She didn’t have much—her home was modest, her clothes were worn, and her table was never filled with lavish meals. Yet, every day, she was seen walking through the village with a smile, greeting everyone she met with kindness. People couldn’t help but notice her joy, especially when so many of them felt weighed down by the difficulties of life.
One day, a young man from the village stopped her. “How can you be so cheerful?” he asked. “You have so little. If I were in your shoes, I don’t think I could be as happy as you seem to be.”
The woman’s eyes twinkled as she responded. “I may not have much,” she said, “but every day, I wake up and say, ‘Thank you.’ I give thanks for the morning light, for the breath in my lungs, for the people I get to greet, and for the food I have—however simple it may be. Gratitude isn’t about what I lack; it’s about noticing what I have. And when I do, I find that I have more than enough.”
The young man walked away reflecting on all the things he had overlooked in his own life. For the first time in a long time, he noticed the beauty of the trees lining the village streets, the sound of children playing, and the warmth of the sun on his face. Gratitude had shifted his perspective, helping him see the goodness he had missed.
Gratitude isn’t about having a perfect life—it’s about noticing the blessings already present. It’s about tuning our hearts to the gifts that surround us, no matter how small or ordinary they may seem. As the Psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s love endures forever.” Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice of opening our eyes to the good gifts of life in the midst of it all.
A dear friend of mine sent me this wonderful song as a reminder of the gift of being grateful. I hope you can find a moment to listen.
This Thanksgiving, may we pause to notice the simple gifts around us—the faces of loved ones, the food on our tables, the breath in our lungs. Gratitude doesn’t erase life’s difficulties, but it can soften them, reminding us that even in challenging times, we are surrounded by grace.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I am grateful for you.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What small blessings can I notice and give thanks for today?
How does gratitude help me see the goodness in my life, even in difficult times?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer of Gratitude
Gracious God,
Thank You for the simple gifts that fill my life with meaning.
Help me to notice the blessings I so often overlook,
To give thanks for the love that sustains me,
And to reflect Your goodness through my gratitude.
May my heart remain open to Your grace,
And may I share the joy of thankfulness with those around me.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Finding Daily Gratitude
Today, try starting the morning with a simple prayer or reflection of gratitude. Soon after you get out of bed, name three things you’re thankful for—things as small as a good night’s sleep, a cup of coffee, or the warmth of your home.
As you move through your day, look for moments to say, “Thank you.” Let gratitude become a rhythm in your life—a way of seeing the world with fresh eyes. At the end of the day, reflect on how this practice has shaped your perspective and brought a sense of joy or contentment, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
December 1 - 4-5:30pm ET - FREE Online webinar with Rev. Jim Dant - “Understanding the Development of the Christmas Nativity Stories Through the Lens of Jewish Midrash (What You Were NOT Taught in Sunday School).” Register here.
February 6, 2025 - 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi on the launch of her latest book on depth hypnosis. Info coming soon.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.