Traveling in Maine recently I was fascinated by the beauty of lighthouses. Long before electricity and the invention of automated lights that could be turned on from a distance, people actually climbed the winding stairs into those towers to polish glass, trim wicks, and make sure lamps were lit to warn ships away from rocky coastlines. They did this faithfully day after day, even when storms were raging. Especially then.

My ancestors came across the sea from Europe to this country. Looking at lighthouses made me wonder if one of those light keepers protected my forefathers and mothers from being shipwrecked. I don’t know, but every time we saw a lighthouse I found myself thanking God for all those who manned the lights that protected ships seeking a safe harbor.

That might sound silly, but God created this world in such a way that we are connected to many, many people. None of us got where we are all by ourselves. And we have an awful lot to be thankful for.

  • I’m grateful for the men and women who braved trails and rivers to build a settlement that became the city I call home.
  • Once upon a time someone introduced my mom to my dad. They got married and had me, so I am grateful for my parents, and the person who made that first introduction!
  • When I was in kindergarten, a teacher taught me to read. I really enjoy books, so I’m thankful for the teachers who, along with my parents, helped me discover a world of stories.

Opportunities for gratitude are literally everywhere. The birds in my backyard are incredible singers. I love music, and bird songs inspire me. I am so grateful God made those birds, even when they poop on the deck!

Life can be tough sometimes, so hard it feels almost unbearable. But God’s Word reminds us to be thankful in the midst of it all. Gratitude is good for us. It calms our anxious hearts and stirs up joy, which lightens our burdens and actually makes us stronger.

Fortunately, there is literally no end to all the things we can be grateful for, like those lighthouses for instance. And since God is ultimately the source of every good gift, it makes sense for us to express our gratitude to Him, as well as to the people who enrich our lives every day.

In this season of Thanksgiving, what are you grateful for? How will you express your gratitude?

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

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Mercy Multiplied exists to provide opportunities for all to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power.  We offer multiple programs and resources online and onsite designed to equip people to live free and stay free in Christ. For more information about the services we offer, click here.

Want more resources? Check out our MercyTalk podcast episodes.  For daily inspiration, follow us @MercyMultiplied on Facebook, Instagram, and X!