Question
Gramps,
How can I show gratitude and thankfulness?
Harold
Answer
Harold,
As November arrives, the air fills with anticipation for turkey feasts, family gatherings, and the warmth of shared tradition. For many, Thanksgiving is about far more than pumpkin pie and parades; it is a clarion call to pause, reflect, and embrace gratitude. Yet, amid the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and the digital deluge of hashtagged blessings, true thanksgiving can be elusive. How can we unlock the deeper joy that gratitude promises, especially from the perspective of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Every November, social media explodes with daily “I’m thankful for…” posts. While these public acts of gratitude can be heartwarming, they also raise a crucial question: Are we truly feeling and expressing gratitude, or simply checking off a seasonal obligation? As William Arthur Ward famously declared, “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” For disciples of Jesus Christ, Thanksgiving—and gratitude itself—can and should be woven into everyday living, extending far beyond one holiday or hashtag. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, drawing on scripture and prophetic teachings, find profound wisdom in living thankfully in all circumstances.
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have repeatedly emphasized that gratitude is not just a nice sentiment, but a divine gift and a spiritual practice. President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” He went on to remind us that “to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.”
President Henry B. Eyring described remembrance as “the seed of gratitude.” He counseled church members to remember the blessings and tender mercies of God, suggesting that keeping a book of remembrance or a gratitude journal can help draw these blessings to mind.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf observed that gratitude is possible not just during times of plenty, but even (or especially) amid life’s trials: “Gratitude should be a way of life regardless of our circumstances.”
Similarly, Elder David A. Bednar encouraged us to periodically offer prayers that contain only expressions of thanks—no requests, just heartfelt appreciation.
Central to this counsel is the understanding that gratitude is a commandment and a discipline, not merely an emotion reserved for easy times. The Church’s teachings highlight that gratitude leads to increased humility, stronger faith, and a more resilient spirit.
Offer gratitude-focused prayers: Make time to pray with the sole purpose of expressing thanks, as Elder Bednar suggested.
Keep a gratitude journal: Whether digital, handwritten, or even scribbled on post-it notes, recording blessings helps anchor your focus on the good.
Sincerely thank others in your life: Send thank you notes, verbalize appreciation, and recognize both the “seen” and “unseen” helpers around you.
Gratitude becomes even more meaningful as it turns outward into service. The Church teaches that expressing thankfulness is not limited to words but is powerful when demonstrated through humble acts of service. President M. Russell Ballard stated, “Gratitude and joy can be found through service. When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would.”
True thanksgiving is magnified by giving back. Serving others helps us rise above our own challenges and fosters perspective. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, delivering homemade desserts to struggling families, or simply offering a smile, the act of serving grounds us in selflessness and charity.
Here’s some ideas of things you can do.
Ding Dong Ditch a Do-Gooder: Secretly deliver treats or notes of appreciation to someone who is a quiet blessing in your community or congregation.
Invite others in: Welcome friends, neighbors, or those who might be lonely into your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Teach children to serve: Involve children in simple acts of kindness, reinforcing that service is a family value and a spiritual discipline.
Gratitude is intimately connected with noticing God’s hand in the everyday. Journaling about daily tender mercies—such as unexpected help, joyful moments, or even challenges that become teachers—strengthens faith and opens hearts to continued blessings. President Eyring’s advice to write down what God has done each day becomes a conduit for increased spiritual sensitivity and remembrance.
In a society where entitlement and ingratitude are common pitfalls, teaching gratitude to children and future generations is both crucial and rewarding. The Church advocates that cultivating gratitude in the home sets a pattern for lifelong happiness and resilience.
Parents are encouraged to help children gain perspective on their blessings by exposure to the needs of others—serving at food banks, discussing the work behind their privileges, and reading stories about thankfulness. Gratitude journals, family gratitude boards, and letter writing are simple but effective tools.
Modeling gratitude is perhaps the most powerful lesson. As President Thomas S. Monson put it, “To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.” When children see parents thank a grocery clerk, write a note to a teacher, or pray with gratitude to the Lord, they absorb and emulate the same attitude.
Elder M. Russell Ballard reminds us to be grateful for those who went before—ancestors whose sacrifices and faith paved the way. Expressing gratitude to parents and grandparents, whether through visits, calls, or cards, forges bonds and acknowledges our indebtedness to those who shaped our life’s path.
Sometimes, gratitude is difficult—especially in seasons of loss, trial, or loneliness. Even then, the Church teaches that thankfulness can be a healing balm. As Elder Quentin L. Cook advised, “Regardless of our trials, with the abundance we have today, we would be ungrateful if we did not appreciate our blessings.”
How can you sustain thankfulness?
Pray for a grateful heart: Ask for the eyes to see blessings, even during sorrow.
Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge both big achievements and small steps—even getting out of bed can be a triumph worth gratitude.
Surround yourself with uplifting material: Read talks and scriptures on gratitude, filling your mind and heart with positive, reinforcing messages.
Forgive and seek forgiveness: True gratitude often flourishes in hearts that are humble and forgiving. Letting go of old grievances frees us to recognize good in ourselves and others.
Embrace the spirit of gratitude: in word, thought, and deed, let every day be a true day of thanksgiving.
Gramps
