Counting Our Blessings During the Holidays: A Gentle Reminder to Live Grateful and Give Back
When the Holidays Feel Like Too Much
Everything tends to get hectic during the holidays. December arrives, and suddenly our calendars are full, our kitchens are busy, and our minds are racing. There are decorations to hang, gifts to buy and wrap, meals to plan, groceries to haul in, and about a hundred other things tugging at our attention.
In the middle of all that hustle, it becomes surprisingly easy to lose perspective. We get so wrapped up in doing that we forget to pause and recognize how blessed we truly are, and how many others are living without the things we quietly assume are guaranteed.
A Morning Reminder of Gratitude
This morning, when I opened my eyes, sunlight was streaming through the curtains. I stretched, took a deep breath, and in that quiet moment, I realized how lucky I was.
A close friend recently underwent major lung surgery. As I filled my lungs with air, something I do without thinking a thousand times a day, I was reminded that even breathing is a gift. I rarely stop to thank the Lord for that simple ability. I just expect it to be there.
That realization stayed with me all morning.
The Blessings We Often Take for Granted
Like many of you, I have a roof over my head. It might be paid for, or it might come with a mortgage, it might be big, or it might be small, but it is safe, warm, and filled with things that make life comfortable.
I can turn on the lights with the flip of a switch. I have running water whenever I want it. I cook meals indoors, drink clean water straight from the faucet, take hot showers, and sleep comfortably at night. These things feel normal to us, yet for millions of people around the world, they are luxuries they do not have.
Access to Care and Comfort
If I feel sick, I call a doctor. If I need medication, I can pick it up within minutes at a local pharmacy. That level of care feels routine, but it isn’t universal. Many people live without access to doctors, medicine, or even basic healthcare, and that reality can be hard to grasp unless we stop and really think about it.
Food on Our Tables
Most of us have full refrigerators and freezers. We can buy fresh fruits and vegetables easily, store food safely, and preserve meat for later use. I’ll be honest, I’m guilty of buying more than we need and throwing food away, knowing there are people who would be grateful for even a portion of what ends up in our trash.
Scripture reminds us of how abundantly God provides:
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
The Greatest Blessing of All
Above everything else, I am deeply thankful that I have Jesus in my life. I am grateful for His grace, His mercy, and the sacrifice He made so that our sins could be forgiven. It humbles me to remember that there are still places in this world where people have never heard His name.
John 1:16 (NIV)
16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
How Can We Help Others During the Holidays?
So the question becomes, what can we do?
There are many wonderful charities doing meaningful work, and I try to support a few each year. I usually choose one local organization and one international charity, because giving close to home and beyond it both matter.
One international charity I truly love is World Central Kitchen. They provide meals to communities affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises, both here at home and around the world. Their work is immediate, practical, and life-giving, and I’m thankful to support what they do.
An Invitation to Share
If you feel led, I would love for you to share your favorite charity in the comments. Your recommendation might be exactly what someone else has been looking for, and together we can spread a little more kindness during a season that can easily become rushed and overwhelming.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s End With A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the countless blessings You pour into our lives each day, even the ones we often overlook. Thank You for the air we breathe, the homes we live in, the food on our tables, and the care available to us. Most of all, thank You for Your grace and the gift of Your Son.
Help us slow down during this busy season and see our blessings clearly. Soften our hearts toward those who are struggling, and guide us in how we can help, whether through giving, serving, or simply showing compassion. May everything we do bring glory to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I decided to have a no phone & computer Sunday. I am so thankful I decided to go back & read your Sunday email. Living close to the coast in NC I have seen how much Samaritans Purse, Franklin Graham’s organization helps after hurricanes. I have heard from friends they are still working in western NC after Helene. Beautiful prayer for the week thank you!
LegacyThroughLove.org is part of our hearts. They are a young American family who live in Romania. The have started a church with outreach to youth and families.
Thank you for the beautiful prayer of gratitude – one to pray daily.
Be blessed.
Truly we are blessed.
My husband’s health is slowly changing so he needs more assistance, but God is so good to give us both the strength for the day.
I’m sure it is very hard to watch as your husband’s health is declining. I’m saying a prayer for both of you right now.
Your Sunday posts are always the best. Thank you again for another wonderful one.
One of my favorite charities is the good ole Salvation Army.
Thank you, Tania, for this beautiful reminder. Dr. Charles Stanley often said that God blesses us so we can bless others. And that it so true— we are blessed, not lucky. Merry Christmas💕
What a great prayer to start every day with! Especially this time of year.
Thanks, Tania. This post is so timely, especially for this time of year.
Loved your post today! talsichristianschool.org is such a blessing to so many students and parents in Talsi, Latvia. Inguna, the founder of the school, makes numerous trips to the U.S. to fund raise. She speaks at different churches/organizations throughout the U.S. Iguna grew up behind the Iron Curtain, her testimony gives me chills every time I hear it.
Tania, thank you for your post, especially during the holidays. I enjoy reading your daily inspirational thoughts.
One organization that I support is our local Meals on Wheels. My parents lived in a rural part of Oklahoma, miles away from me. I know the comfort they felt through daily food deliveries and visits. I also know the comfort their service meant to me knowing someone was checking on them daily.
Though my parents are both gone, the thought always occurs to me, someone else’s Mom and Dad can benefit from Meals on Wheels. Seems such a little thing to do.