November 20, 2025

Living Thankful: Not a Holiday… a Lifestyle

Thankfulness isn’t seasonal—it’s transformational.
The more I’ve lived, the more I’ve realized that gratitude shapes everything about how we see God.

Gratitude That Outlives a Holiday

As a husband, a dad, and a pastor, I’ve learned that gratitude doesn’t just lift your mood—it changes your perspective.

It shifts your focus.
It softens your heart.
It anchors your faith.

Thankfulness isn’t something we pull out once a year in November.
It’s something God invites us to live every day.

Paul writes:
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

God doesn’t say to give thanks for everything. He says give thanks in everything.

There’s a difference.

Seeing God Everywhere

Here’s a truth that changed me:

“If you want to see God in everything… start by thanking Him in everything.”

Because gratitude opens your eyes.
It sharpens your awareness.
It helps you see God’s fingerprints in places you once overlooked.

The Practice of Daily Gratitude

You don’t need a perfect life to be thankful. You just need a willing heart.
One moment.

One breath.
One reminder that God has been faithful.

And when gratitude becomes a rhythm—not a reaction—you’ll start noticing God in:

• your marriage
• your children
• your work
• your quiet moments
• your challenges
• your blessings
• your waiting
• your victories

This is how gratitude becomes a lifestyle.

What’s one thing God has shown you this week about gratitude?

Happy Thanksgiving week.
I’m thankful for you.

Marquiel Baker