“Gratitude and Grace: Finding Peace in the Present”

 Can you believe it’s November?! 2025 is almost over, and what a year it has been. So much anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and chaos. Yet, we’re still here—placing one foot in front of the other with quiet confidence that as the new year approaches, brighter days are ahead. Our souls take comfort in that assurance, knowing that even in the unknown, God is still guiding our steps.

But as the year winds down and the holidays draw near, life tends to get louder—filled with to-do lists, family gatherings, and endless reminders of what we still need to do or buy. Sometimes the list of “wants” feels much longer than our available resources. We can start to feel weary or disheartened. But take heart: November offers a sacred pause—a moment to breathe and take inventory, not just of what’s on our lists or in our homes, but what’s in our hearts.

Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to see the beauty in what is. When we pause long enough to notice what’s going right, we reconnect with our sense of joy and with the quiet reminders of God’s faithfulness in our everyday lives. You woke up this morning without pain? Be thankful. You woke up in pain but still made it through the day? Be thankful for the strength that carried you.

Take a few moments each day this month to reflect on the following questions:

What’s something I have now that I once prayed for?

My response: I prayed that I would move physically closer to my family—and here I sit in my home, a mere forty minutes from family and childhood friends. I’m overcome with gratitude when I think about all the doors that opened and the sacrifices that made this move possible. It’s a beautiful reminder that God answers prayers in His timing and in His way.

Who in my life brings light, laughter, or calm?

My response: My husband, Nashid. Somehow, together, we find humor in our problems and comfort in knowing we’re in the same huddle, strategizing the next “play” to get through whatever challenge comes our way. We lean on faith, trusting that we’re not navigating life’s challenges alone.

What am I learning, even in this season of uncertainty?

My response: I’m learning two things:

(1) Every challenge I’ve faced has been preparation for the next one. Even when I can’t see it in the moment, I believe God uses past struggles to build the strength and wisdom I’ll need later. Growth rarely feels comfortable, but it always serves a divine purpose.

(2) I’m also learning that gratitude deepens when I give. When I volunteer, lend a hand, or offer encouragement, I’m reminded that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Often, God’s blessings flow through us to others—and being a vessel for that goodness brings its own kind of peace.

Gratitude grounds us. And when we extend grace—to ourselves and to others—we create room for healing, compassion, and peace to grow.

So this November, let’s not just count our blessings. Let’s feel them. Let’s wear gratitude like a soft sweater, wrapping ourselves in it until it becomes part of who we are. Let’s rest in the gentle assurance that even when life feels uncertain, grace still finds us—and that’s something to be truly thankful for.

-A Prayer of Gratitude

Dear God,

Thank You for the gift of this season—a time to slow down, reflect, and recognize Your hand in all things. Help us to see beauty in the ordinary and blessings even in our challenges. Teach us to walk in gratitude and extend grace as freely as You extend it to us. May our hearts stay open, our words be kind, and our spirits stay anchored in peace. Amen.

Lou