A Grateful Heart in Every Season

Marie
Dec 17, 2025
3 min read

Gratitude has a way of softening the heart. It slows us down long enough to notice what has always been there—God’s steady hand, His quiet provision, His goodness woven into both the beautiful moments and the hard ones. Today, I’m writing from my heart about gratitude—not the polished, picture-perfect kind, but the daily, practiced, sometimes tear-filled kind that whispers, “Thank You, Father,” even when I don’t fully understand.

I thank God for the small things and the big things. For the warmth of morning light through the window. For food on the table. For laughter, and for lessons learned through tears. For prayers answered the way I hoped—and for the ones answered differently.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

All circumstances. That includes the good and the confusing, the joyful and the painful.

We don’t always know God’s plan. We don’t always see the full picture. Sometimes the enemy slips in quietly—with fear, distraction, doubt, or discouragement—and we don’t even realize it at first. But even then, I choose gratitude. Not because everything feels good, but because God is good. He alone is good. His heart is gracious, His mercy is unending, and His justice is perfect.

“The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:9)

Gratitude becomes an act of trust. It’s a way of saying, “Father, I believe You are working—even here. Especially here.” God promises that nothing is wasted. He sees what we cannot, and He will make all things right in His perfect timing.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

The Bible tells us:

“Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous laws.” (Psalm 119:164)

Seven times. A reminder that gratitude is not a once-a-day habit—it’s a rhythm we return to again and again. When we praise God throughout the day, our hearts stay aligned with truth instead of fear.

Gratitude lifts our eyes from what’s missing to Who is present.

This is something I want our children to learn—not just by what we say, but by what we practice.

Teaching our kids gratitude means letting them see us thank God out loud. Thanking Him when things go well, and thanking Him when they don’t. Letting them hear us say, “God is still good,” even on hard days.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)

When gratitude becomes a daily practice, it reshapes our hearts. It teaches our children resilience, faith, and trust in a God who provides all things—large and small, seen and unseen.

So today, I choose gratitude. I thank God for what I understand, and I thank Him for what I don’t. I thank Him for His protection, His correction, His patience, and His love. I thank Him that no matter what the enemy tries, God’s goodness will always have the final word.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1)

May we be people who live with grateful hearts. May we teach our children to notice God’s hand in every season. And may our gratitude always point us back to this unshakable truth:

He alone is good.

On a final note I want to leave you with this...

Deuteronomy 6:4

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

This verse is the Shema. The Shema is found directly in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures), and it is affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. The Shema (Sh’ma) is one of the most sacred prayers in Judaism. Shema means “Hear” or “Listen.” It’s both a declaration of faith and a call to love and obey God. You don't have to practive Judaism to say the Shema.

Hear, O Israel:

The Lord is our God,

The Lord is One.

How to Pray the Shema (Step-by-Step)

Prepare your heart. Pause, become still, and focus your attention on God.
Cover your eyes (optional but traditional). This helps remove distractions and fully concentrate on God’s oneness.
Recite the Shema slowly and intentionally. Say it aloud or silently, with reverence.
Continue with the V’ahavta (often included). This expands the Shema and expresses loving God fully:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,a nd with all your strength.”(Deuteronomy 6:5)
Reflect. Consider how to live out love, obedience, and faithfulness that day.