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.
Wonderful message Tania to live out every day 💕🙏
YES love your messages but especially today!!!
I also wholeheartedly support World Central Kitchen. They have proven over the years to be on the spot when needed to feed people all over the world. Whether from a natural disaster, war or crisis they are there to feed those in need. It is one of the most reputable charities.
They even went to Buchanan County (where we used to live) when there was a flood.
One of our favorite charities is the UFW, the United Farmworkers Union and the NFM, the NationalFarmworkers Ministry. Both organizations were started by Caesar Chavez to help the people who put food on our table to have humane working conditions. You would be amazed to know how badly our farmworkers are treated. They are so grateful for our help.
That sounds like a great organization.
Hello
I would suggest St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital – USA based.
Also, the Salesian Missions who work both in our country and abroad. God Bless!
Yes, waking up with a grateful heart is something that remind myself constantly. I remember those days when the refrigerator wasn’t full, we didn’t have a reliable source of transportation, and now it is with His grace we are in a much better place. An organization that helped us throughout the years, was The Boys & Girls Club. The organization helped us and provided a resourceful place for my children, while my husband & I worked. I am forever grateful for them!
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m glad you are now doing better.
Tania, Sunshine On A Rainey Day is a non-profit that I have been supporting since the early 2000’s. Their mission is to remodel specific rooms in the home of a special needs child, so that it’s easier for the family to care for them and/or to help that child become more independent. I have seen first hand a few of the families that they’ve helped; their work is amazing. I also support The Salvation Army because I remember being in the hospital close to Christmas when I was a little girl, seeing their cart filled with toys come into my room and me getting to select the toy I wanted. I selected a doll that I kept for many many years.
I love the idea of Sunshine On A Rainey Day. I’m sure families of special needs children face so many hardships.
https://goodgifts.elca.org. International gifts
Franklin Graham’s, Samaritan’s Purse.
Thank you Tania for today’s post. I love reading your daily inspirational messages. At this time in the later chapter of my life I have been given the responsibility of taking care of my disabled son. I try to remember that God does provide and never promised that my life would always be easy. He did say he would be there for me always. Thanks for your encouragement daily.
Cheryl, it is a responsibility and a blessing. Even in the hard times, there are blessings.