Do you ever feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on your shoulders? The constant noise, the endless to-do lists, the nagging worries that seem to fill every quiet moment? 

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we lose sight of what really matters. I’ve found over the years that there’s a simple, powerful practice that can cut through all that noise and bring us back to what’s truly important: gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” when things go our way. It’s about pausing, taking a deep breath, and recognizing the blessings that are already in our lives, even in the midst of chaos. When we stop to give thanks, something incredible happens—God’s presence starts to fill the space between our worries and our peace. Suddenly, the world doesn’t feel so heavy, and our hearts find a sense of calm that only comes from being aligned with His purpose.

I remember when my son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes – it was one of the hardest times of my life – having to rush to the hospital – not knowing what was going to happen or even if he was going to be ok. At that moment- you could say that life was nothing short of absolute chaos and armageddon. 

The Bible reminds us of this over and over again. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). All circumstances. Not just the good ones. When we practice gratitude, even when things are tough, we’re opening the door to God’s peace and inviting Him to guide our steps.

And that’s when it hit me, going up that hospital elevator, not knowing what the doctors were going to tell me – I needed to pause, breathe and surrender. My son was still here, he was still alive, God was still in charge of things. Thank you Lord because You are faithful to your promises.

And that’s where the real magic happens—when gratitude aligns us with God’s purpose for our lives. You see, God has a plan for each of us. A unique, beautiful, and sometimes mysterious plan that’s woven into the fabric of who we are. 

But in the craziness of life, it’s easy to lose sight of that plan. 

We start leaning on our own understanding, trying to figure everything out on our own. But Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, we should submit to Him, and He will make our paths straight.

That’s what gratitude does—it helps us let go of the need to control everything and trust that God is guiding us, even when we can’t see the whole picture. It’s like turning on a light in a dark room. Suddenly, the path becomes a little clearer, and we can see where God is leading us.

This is true no matter what your unique design is. Whether you’re a Builder, a Connector, a Recruiter, a Trainer, or a Revealer, gratitude is a powerful tool that can enhance your journey. 

• For the Builder, gratitude keeps you grounded, helping you appreciate the small wins as you chase after the big vision. 
• For the Connector, it strengthens your relationships, making your communities even more vibrant and supportive. 
• Recruiters find that gratitude fuels their passion, allowing them to inspire others with genuine enthusiasm. 
• Trainers discover that gratitude adds depth to their teachings, reminding them to cherish the process of growth. 
• And for Revealers, gratitude opens up a deeper connection with God, helping you see His hand in everything.

But let’s get practical for a moment. How do we actually cultivate gratitude in our daily lives? It’s simpler than you might think. Start by setting aside just a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Maybe it’s a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a kind word from a friend, or the beauty of a sunset. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Thank God for it. 

The more you practice gratitude, the more you’ll find to be grateful for, and the more you’ll feel God’s presence in your life.

So here’s my challenge to you—start today. Take a moment, right now, to pause and thank God for something in your life. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be real. And as you do, watch how your perspective shifts, how your heart feels a little lighter, and how you start to see God’s purpose more clearly.

Remember, God has placed a unique purpose within you— a purpose that’s waiting to be discovered and lived out. And the journey to finding that purpose passes through gratitude. 

So let’s walk this path together, one thankful step at a time.

Your destiny is waiting.