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Giving thanks on Thanksgiving or any other day is an acknowledgement, no matter how grand or small, of one’s sincere appreciation.  

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving parade, a thank-you note, or a card, people find ways to express their thankfulness and gratitude.

In many instances, a simple verbal ‘Thank You’ is sufficient.

We have all heard the phrase, to have an attitude of gratitude. An attitude is a mental state or way of thinking or feeling about people, things, and circumstances. Like thankfulness, gratitude is an emotion, an appreciation for things and people in one’s life.

On Thanksgiving, the big turkey day, it is common for families to gather, share a meal, and reflect on things they are thankful for.

We can all agree that every day is a day of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the two words, gratitude and thankfulness?  

As children, we learned early in life to say thank you.

Just as our parents said, “It doesn’t hurt to say thank you at any age, when someone does something nice for you.

When someone opens a door for us, it’s appropriate to thank the individual. I am thankful and grateful that such common courtesies still exist.

When life happens, and sickness, disappointments, or other challenges come, we can still be grateful for today and the opportunities and promises of tomorrow.

Gratitude is an overall appreciation of life and experiences. However, thankfulness is an emotional response or appreciation for a specific deed or action. One can be grateful for their church, but thankful to a member of the church who sends a get-well card.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful that things are as well as they are with my family, and I am thankful to my daughter, who will cook the Thanksgiving meal.

We may not have everything we want, but one can be grateful for what they have. Being grateful and thankful are two emotions that are part of our lives that help us appreciate our life experiences, the good and the challenges.

Being thankful is a part of gratitude, and our gratitude is expressed with thankfulness.

 Like most things in life, being intentional and practicing the mindsets of gratitude and thankfulness help us acknowledge their importance in our lives.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

I am grateful to God for his many blessings.

My expressions of thankfulness are an extension of my gratitude for God giving me a loving family and real friends.

There is something so positive about gratitude and being thankful.

This Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of a prayer I learned as a child.

Thank you for the world so sweet,

Thank you for the food we eat,

Thank you for the birds that sing.

Thank you, God, for everything.

Sometimes we forget to be grateful for the simple things. This children’s prayer reminds us of the many things to be grateful for.

Gratefulness and thankfulness go hand-in-hand.

I hope you are happy and well.

Happy Thanksgiving 2025!