If my gratitude is sincere, it is an act of worship. Songs and prayers of thanks and praise resonate within my soul and rise above the mountaintops, toward heaven . . .
Sincere gratitude and worship
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded how I’ve experienced a multitude of blessings throughout my life. I’ve also witnessed God’s mercy, grace, and strength in various trials and tribulations. Today, while on a much-needed mountain writing retreat with a dear friend, I’ve set my thoughts on God’s magestic creation and how finding true gratitude amid chaos and blessings might lead us forward to our callings. I believe it’s something we can strive for, celebrate, and share with others.
Thanksgiving and being full
Usually, when I think about Thanksgiving, the first thing that comes to mind is gratefulness and all its trimmings. We pause with family and friends to remember the year’s fullness or lack thereof. Like I said, usually.
Today as I write, I’m trying to forget the mini tantrum I had last week while standing in the half-renovated plastic-sheeting-lined construction zone that used to be our cabin’s living room. And yes, the electricians, carpenters, snarky HVAC guy, and a few other strangers witnessed the whole shebang.
Grateful in the chaos?
It sounded something like this:
“Uh, no, Dennis, it’s not okay that we’re two months behind schedule and the house will be a mess for thanksgiving AND Christmas. The builders gave us a late October finish date.”
My husband shook his head and walked away from me. “You’re forgetting the new windows were five weeks late and the front door had to be sent back, and all the bad weather, and—”
“No. I’m not forgetting anything. I’m just upset.”
“I know you are, but you have to get over it.”
“I can’t.” The words fell out of my mouth without restraint.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Losing control and gaining wisdom
Dennis unzipped the plastic and squeezed through the narrow opening into the bare vastness of our newly framed and barely insulated skeleton of a dining/kitchen great room where we had hoped to serve Thanksgiving dinner this year.
The truth is, I was upset about everything I couldn’t control. Things I had—and still have to—let go.
After much prayer and struggling and not embracing the fact we’re not decorating or entertaining or anything here this year, I decided to flee the freezing coop for a few days to clear my mind and just have some time to write without drills or saws or hammers or any other construction tool blaring within a mile. I set off toward the wine country town of Dahlonega Georgia to meet my best friend and critique partner for a long overdue writing retreat.
While crying out to God to forgive my selfishness, I realized one of the reasons I’ve been so stressed is not only about the losing all control in the cabin renovation matter, but also, the fact I let fear into my mind and wondered if we’d ever celebrate anything again. What if we don’t have next year?
All the what ifs and whys
I’m reminded of how every what if, why, or other disappointments do not compare to the gift of each breath we breathe and hand we hold that leads us forward on our journeys to find a deeper calling in life—and how living abundantly might be the key to finding true gratitude amid chaos and blessings.
Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate? – Francis Chan
Honesty in our gratefulness
Even in seasons of broken promises or blinding sadness, there’s a multitude of reasons to remember each year’s harvest. We watch summer’s festivities and gardens fade, then Autumn’s leaves wither and drop to the frosty ground. And finally, when the nakedness of weeping willow trees is laid bare, the unique beauty of every imperfect branch beckons us to see.
Wisdom in all seasons
What have I to fear? My God is the one who moves mountains and makes a way when there is no way. This miracle-maker and mercy-giver is my Adonai. There is none above Him—none more powerful. He sees us, heals us, and is for us. He’s so much more than I, or we can comprehend.
In times when I can’t control life or let go of my tunnel-vision perspective, I hope to always ask for more wisdom and be thankful—even in heavy seasons when finding true gratitude amid chaos and blessings might evade me.
Fear and letting go
When I doubt His unconditional and unfailing love for me, and it’s difficult to admit this, but I have doubted and grieved The Almighty and His Holy Spirit many times—even after He healed me and used this illness to raise awareness regarding various cancers, and especially the rare and elusive melanoma beast.
I choose to let go of yesterday’s nightmares and push aside today’s fears. Our Father uses suffering and tears for His glory, and sometimes in mightier ways than He uses our triumphs. For the good of others, and for the good of Your kingdom, God, I’m thankful to be used.
Gratitude and fullness
We gather with family and friends to celebrate life. However, the year’s abundance or hardships aren’t the table’s centerpiece. It’s a time when love, honesty, and gratefulness cover sickness, sorrows, and sins; a time when a great fullness comes from God’s heart—and his spirit, not turkey and homemade gravy. He alone is more than enough for me. I hope he is for you too. Now and always, let’s celebrate the great fullness of Thanksgiving.
So, with all this ranting going on the past few weeks, I’ve hardly mentioned our other new addition.
Her name is Luna. She’s our Irish Setter Sunny’s new best friend and mischief-maker buddy. And yes, she’s done a little renovating of her own. She managed to nip, lick, and cuddle her way into my and Dennis’s hearts.
And this year, amongst all the crazy, Luna is without a doubt the best furry gift our family is thankful to have and know and love this year.
From him and through him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 ESV
God’s abundant love
Dear friends, what if wisdom has a way of teaching Biblical truths about the mysteries of life and also about how wide and deep God’s love is for us? Maybe we only need to remind ourselves of these truths. Though indescribable, his love always gives me peace. I can lay my burdens down. Pray. Sing. Share. Let the tears roll—and be grateful he canceled the debt of my sins.
I don’t have to worry about things I can’t control when I know He’s always in control. Maybe this is the beginning of understanding the mystery of such great fullness.
Can you relate? I’d love to hear your thoughts about finding true gratitude during life’s calm or chaotic seasons. Please don’t forget to join the conversation here in the IAF comments section below. Read more of my stories on Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog or DoveStories website.
Now and always. No matter where or how we celebrate this year. May our cups runneth over on this journey to finding gratitude amid chaos and blessings.
~ Joann
*Special thanks: Pixabay for use of all free images: Feature image Image by Kanenori from Pixabay, #1 lg image Image by Deborah Hudson from Pixabay, #2 Image by Dirk (Beeki®) Schumacher from Pixabay.
***#3 Image: “Family dogs” Copyright © 2025 Joann Claypoole ~ All rights reserved. And finally, thanks to my VBF Janet Campbell at Cozy Intrigue for Wait? Did Life Just Bite You?
Sadly, melanoma is not rare nor elusive. It would be nice if it went away.
Yes. I understand and I 100% agree—but in 2015 it was a silent killer that changed my life. 3 mo Chemo / Immunotherapy combo and 9 mo of single immunotherapy every 2 weeks— plus numerous scans. Yes. It would be amazing it went away.
Such an encouraging word that brought tears to my eyes. I’ve stood in some “bare vastness” and I pray God uses my tears for His glory.
You know it’s all for His glory, and how much I believe God will redeem (your) time in the miry clay. Love you and thankful for our writing time. He is with you and will be glorified — Lets say this is our new motto.
I love your new addition. She’s beautiful. Thanks for showing us how to reframe.